Acting NASA Administrator Reflects on Legacy of Astronaut Jim Lovell
- NASA Administrator Sean Duffy has released a statement reflecting on the legacy of astronaut Jim Lovell, who passed away on August 7 at the age of 97.
- Jim Lovell was a pioneering astronaut who played a crucial role in NASA’s historic Apollo missions, including Gemini and Apollo 8 and 13.
- As Command Module Pilot for Apollo 8, Lovell became the first person to orbit the Moon, while as Commander of Apollo 13, he demonstrated calm strength under pressure to return his crew safely to Earth.
- Lovell was known for his wit and humor, earning him the nickname “Smilin’ Jim” among his fellow astronauts.
- NASA is mourning Lovell’s passing, but also celebrating his achievements and legacy as a brave and innovative astronaut who helped pave the way for future space exploration missions.
The following is a statement from acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy on the passing of famed Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell. He passed away Aug. 7, in Lake Forest, Illinois. He was 97 years old.
“NASA sends its condolences to the family of Capt. Jim Lovell, whose life and work inspired millions of people across the decades. Jim’s character and steadfast courage helped our nation reach the Moon and turned a potential tragedy into a success from which we learned an enormous amount. We mourn his passing even as we celebrate his achievements.
“From a pair of pioneering Gemini missions to the successes of Apollo, Jim helped our nation forge a historic path in space that carries us forward to upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.
“As the Command Module Pilot for Apollo 8, Jim and his crewmates became the first to lift off on a Saturn V rocket and orbit the Moon, proving that the lunar landing was within our reach. As commander of the Apollo 13 mission, his calm strength under pressure helped return the crew safely to Earth and demonstrated the quick thinking and innovation that informed future NASA missions.
“Known for his wit, this unforgettable astronaut was nicknamed Smilin’ Jim by his fellow astronauts because he was quick with a grin when he had a particularly funny comeback.
“Jim also served our country in the military, and the Navy has lost a proud academy graduate and test pilot. Jim Lovell embodied the bold resolve and optimism of both past and future explorers, and we will remember him always.”
For more information about Lovell’s NASA career, and his agency biography, visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/former-astronaut-james-a-lovell
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Grace Bartlinski / Cheryl Warner
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
grace.bartlinksi@nasa.gov / cheryl.m.warner@nasa.gov