American astronaut Jim Lovell, best known as commander of the ill-fated 1970 Apollo 13 mission, has died at 97, NASA announced.
Lovell and crewmates Jack Swigert and Fred Haise famously survived a near-catastrophic onboard explosion 320,000km from Earth, improvising with Mission Control to overcome freezing temperatures, dwindling power, and limited food and water during their three-and-a-half-day return.
The mission, dubbed a “successful failure,” prevented a planned moon landing but became an enduring symbol of ingenuity and resilience, later immortalised in Ron Howard’s 1995 film Apollo 13, with Tom Hanks portraying Lovell.
A veteran of four spaceflights, including the first lunar orbit on Apollo 8, Lovell retired from NASA in 1973, later co-authoring Lost Moon, the basis for the film.
We are saddened by the passing of Jim Lovell, commander of Apollo 13 and a four-time spaceflight veteran.
Lovell's life and work inspired millions. His courage under pressure helped forge our path to the Moon and beyond—a journey that continues today. https://t.co/AjT8qmxsZI pic.twitter.com/jBlxzgrmSk
— NASA (@NASA) August 8, 2025
