The National Space Society Thanks Captain Lovell for his Service on the Society’s Board of Governors

Captain James A. Lovell Jr., the NASA astronaut made famous by commanding the stricken Apollo 13 mission to a successful conclusion, passed on Thursday, August 7. He was 97 years old.

Fellow astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who shared the Gemini 12 mission with Lovell, posted on social media: “Grieving the loss of one of my best friends, Jim Lovell. His extraordinary legacy is cemented by many space missions: Gemini VII, Gemini XII, Apollo 8, and Apollo 13.

Our mutual respect had no limits. The Gemini XII mission we flew together paved the way for the Apollo missions.”

Lovell was active in business after he left NASA as a CEO or EVP of multiple companies and served on the boards of numerous others. He was also a member of the National Space Society’s Board of Governors for decades.

Karlton Johnson, Chairman of the NSS Board of Governors, said, “The National Space Society mourns the passing of Captain Jim Lovell. He was an American icon whose leadership, courage, and pioneering spirit defined an era of exploration. As a valued member of the NSS Board of Governors, he brought honor to our mission and inspired all who dare to reach beyond our world. We honor his legacy and extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Referring to Lovell’s command of the Apollo 13 mission, Johnson added, “His life’s voyage reminds us that even in the vastness of the unknown, steadfast courage can guide us home.”

Lovell served in the US Navy in the early 1950s and later went on to test pilot school at the Naval Air Test Center in Maryland, graduating at the top of his class. He was selected as a NASA astronaut in 1962.

Lovell flew on the Gemini 7 mission in 1965, a two-week flight with Frank Borman designed to test the limits of human endurance in space. The pair sat in a cramped cabin for the entire time, without the ability to even stretch their legs. He then went on to fly as the commander of Gemini 12 with future Moonwalker Aldrin, the last Gemini flight before the Apollo lunar program.

Lovell flew on the daring Apollo 8 mission, the first to leave Earth orbit and reach the Moon in 1968, with Frank Borman commanding and Bill Anders in the third seat. Their images of “Earthrise” and reading of Genesis from lunar orbit galvanized the world.