Jim Lovell, Apollo Astronaut, Dies at 97

Jim Lovell, a pioneering astronaut known for his roles in the Gemini and Apollo programs, passed away at age 97. Lovell never walked on the moon but was instrumental in historic missions, including Apollo 8, the first human mission to orbit the moon, and Apollo 13, where his leadership helped bring the crew safely home after a critical spacecraft failure. His calm demeanor and engineering expertise exemplified the best qualities of astronauts and American explorers. Lovell's legacy is celebrated at various memorials and museums, including the Kennedy Space Center and Space View Park, where his contributions to space exploration are honored. His longtime friend and fellow astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, commemorated Lovell’s impact and the heroic story of Apollo 13, which was popularized in the acclaimed film starring Tom Hanks. Lovell's life and career remain a testament to human courage and ingenuity in space exploration.