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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Erin Keller

Famed astronaut James Lovell dies at 97

  • James Lovell, the legendary NASA astronaut and commander of the Apollo 13 mission, has died at the age of 97.
  • Lovell, known for the iconic phrase “Houston, we've had a problem,” masterfully guided his crew through a critical oxygen tank explosion during the 1970 Apollo 13 mission, ensuring their safe return to Earth.
  • His leadership during the ill-fated third Moon landing attempt was immortalized in the 1995 film Apollo 13, where Tom Hanks portrayed him.
  • Lovell had a distinguished career, including piloting Gemini 7, commanding Gemini 12, and serving as Command Module Pilot on Apollo 8, the first mission to orbit the Moon.
  • After retiring from NASA, he pursued a successful business career and co-authored Lost Moon, the book that inspired the film, and was recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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