NASA Mourns the Passing of Legendary Astronaut Jim Lovell at Age 97

TDT | Manama

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Jim Lovell, the renowned Apollo astronaut whose bravery and leadership inspired millions, passed away on August 7 in Lake Forest, Illinois. He was 97 years old.

Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy expressed deep condolences to Lovell’s family, highlighting how his courage helped the United States reach the Moon and turn a potential disaster into a remarkable success.

Lovell played a key role in America’s early space exploration, from pioneering Gemini missions to the historic Apollo program. As Command Module Pilot on Apollo 8, he and his crew became the first humans to orbit the Moon, paving the way for future lunar landings. Later, as commander of the Apollo 13 mission, Lovell’s calm and quick thinking under pressure helped bring his crew safely back to Earth after a critical in-flight emergency.

Known among his fellow astronauts as “Smilin’ Jim” for his quick wit and infectious grin, Lovell was not only a space hero but also a proud Navy veteran and test pilot.

NASA honors Jim Lovell’s bold spirit and lasting legacy, which continues to inspire new generations of explorers as the agency looks ahead to future missions to the Moon and beyond.