William A. Anders, a pioneering astronaut who flew on the first manned orbit of the Moon, passed away on September 17, 2022, at the age of 90. Anders was a member of the Apollo 8 mission in December 1968, which marked a historic milestone in space exploration.
Born on October 17, 1933, in Hong Kong to a U.S. Navy family, Anders grew up with a passion for flying and engineering. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1955 and later earned a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Anders was selected as an astronaut in 1963, along with 13 other candidates, to join NASA’s Astronaut Corps.
Anders’ most notable achievement was his participation in the Apollo 8 mission, which launched on December 21, 1968. Alongside fellow astronauts Frank Borman and James Lovell, Anders orbited the Moon 10 times, providing the first-ever close-up views of the lunar surface. The mission was a groundbreaking success, paving the way for future manned lunar landings.
During the mission, Anders took the iconic photograph “Earthrise,” which captured the Earth rising over the Moon’s horizon. The image has become an enduring symbol of the Apollo program and a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet.
After retiring from NASA in 1969, Anders went on to serve as the Ambassador to Norway from 1975 to 1977. He later worked in the private sector, holding various executive positions in the energy and aerospace industries.
Anders received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to space exploration, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. His legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists, engineers, and astronauts, and his remarkable achievements will forever be etched in the annals of space history.
William A. Anders, Who Flew on First Manned Orbit of the Moon, Dies at 90
Date:
