Spaceflight pioneer and commanding figure of the Apollo 13 mission, Jim Lovell, passes away.
NASA Mourns Passing of Apollo 13 Commander Jim Lovell
Jim Lovell, the commander of the Apollo 13 mission and a renowned astronaut, passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 97 in Lake Forest, Illinois[1][2][3]. NASA announced his death and expressed condolences to his family, highlighting his courage and leadership during the Apollo 13 mission, which turned a potential disaster into a successful safe return[1][2].
Lovell was famed for his calm, steady command under pressure when an oxygen tank explosion crippled Apollo 13’s spacecraft, forcing his crew into a survival situation that required quick thinking and innovation to return safely to Earth[1][2][4]. He was also a four-time astronaut, having flown on Gemini missions and serving as Command Module Pilot for Apollo 8, the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon[1][2][3].
The Apollo 13 mission, marked by a near-catastrophic event, was the subject of the 1995 film "Apollo 13," directed by Ron Howard[5]. NASA praised Lovell for his bravery and service during the mission, stating that his legacy as an astronaut and the commander of the Apollo 13 mission will continue to inspire future generations[1][2].
Jim Lovell was a retired United States Navy captain and a test pilot for the U.S. Navy[1][2][3]. He was a recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom[1]. Lovell's family has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support following his death[1].
A memorial service and burial are planned at the U.S. Naval Academy, but the date has yet to be announced[1].
References:
[1] NASA (2025). NASA Statement on the Passing of Astronaut Jim Lovell. Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-statement-on-the-passing-of-astronaut-jim-lovell
[2] Associated Press (2025). Astronaut Jim Lovell, Commander of Apollo 13, Dies at 97. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/07/us/astronaut-jim-lovell-dead.html
[3] BBC News (2025). Astronaut Jim Lovell, Apollo 13 Commander, Dies Aged 97. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-58468954
[4] National Geographic (2025). Apollo 13: The Story of Jim Lovell and the Miraculous Moon Mission. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/article/apollo-13-story-jim-lovell-miraculous-moon-mission/
[5] IMDb (2025). Apollo 13. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113903/
Science loses a pioneering figure in space-and-astronomy with the demise of four-time astronaut and Apollo 13 commander, Jim Lovell. The sports world also mourns his extraordinary resilience and leadership, a trait evident during the Apollo 13 mission's harrowing space journey.
