Jim Lovell, known as Smilin' Jim, has died at the age of 97. He was a veteran of the Apollo 8 lunar voyage and mission commander for Apollo 13. NASA confirmed his passing, which occurred at his home in Lake Forest, Illinois. Lovell was notable for the Apollo 8 flight, the first to carry humans around the moon. He also played a crucial role in the Apollo 13 mission, which faced a catastrophic failure with an oxygen tank explosion but succeeded in a dramatic return to Earth. He was celebrated for his leadership and courage throughout these landmark missions.
As mission commander, Jim Lovell was instrumental in steering the lunar module back to Earth during the Apollo 13 crisis, showcasing remarkable courage and leadership during the life-threatening ordeal.
Lovell's Apollo 8 mission marked a historic milestone as it was the first human flight to travel beyond Earth's gravitational influence, orbiting the moon ten times.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised Lovell's character, mentioning that his steadfast courage helped the nation achieve its lunar ambitions and turned potential tragedies into triumphs.
Jim Lovell, who served as command module pilot on Apollo 8 and was the last surviving crew member of that flight, passed away at age 97.
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