The world is in mourning as famed Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell has sadly passed away. Notably, he commanded the mission and was also one of the first humans to orbit the moon. He is also known for co-writing the book “Lost Moon,” which served as the basis for the 1995 film “Apollo 13,” in which Tom Hanks portrayed him.Â
According to the New Mexico Museum of Space History, Lovell is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. For college, he attended the University of Wisconsin. He passed away on August 7 at the age of 97.Â
The World is Paying Tribute to Lovell
Naturally, Lovell is one of the pioneers of space exploration. The Apollo 13 mission, as well as the others he was part of, set the stage for where the industry has progressed today. As a result, many are taking to social media to pay tribute to his legacy.Â
One of the most notable tributes came from his family via the NASA X account. It began, “They said, “We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved father, USN Captain James A. “Jim” Lovell, a Navy pilot and officer, astronaut, leader, and space explorer. He was 97.
The statement continued, “We are enormously proud of his amazing life and career accomplishments, highlighted by his legendary leadership in pioneering human space flight. But, to all of us, he was Dad, Granddad, and the Leader of our family.”
It then said, “Most importantly, he was our Hero. We will miss his unshakeable optimism, his sense of humor, and the way he made each of us feel we could do the impossible. He was truly one of a kind.”
They wrote on X, “We are saddened by the passing of Jim Lovell, commander of Apollo 13 and a four-time spaceflight veteran. Lovell’s life and work inspired millions. His courage under pressure helped forge our path to the Moon and beyondâa journey that continues today.”
A person who posts under the name Boston Jardin remembered Lovell’s legacy, saying, “He was the only astronaut to make two trips to the moon, yet he never set foot there. I can only imagine how that felt as he got so close on Apollo 13, knowing he might not survive, let alone return someday. Rest in peace, sir. You were an inspiration.”
Many Agree ‘Apollo 13’ is Among the Most Significant Space Films
Hanks has starred in several films and even has two Academy Awards. However, one of his most acclaimed roles was in “Apollo 13,” in which he starred as Lovell. The film was released in 1995 and was directed by legendary director Ron Howard.Â
Naturally, Hanks met Lovell in preparation for the role. He told Hollywood Outbreak, “We just felt like an absolute idiot when Jim Lovell came by and we were flicking switches.” He stated that Jim said of the spacecraft for the film, “Hey, it looks like a real thing.” Lovell later spoke at Hanks’ AFI Lifetime Achievement ceremony.
Lovell will be missed, but his legacy will last forever.
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