Former astronaut and Apollo 8 crew member William Anders tragically died in a plane crash off the San Juan Islands in Washington state. Anders, who famously took the iconic “Earthrise” photo in 1968, was 90 years old. The photo, the first color image of Earth from space, changed the way humans viewed our planet and is credited with sparking the global environmental movement. Anders’ son confirmed his father’s death, stating that the family is devastated by the loss.
The Apollo 8 mission was the first human spaceflight to leave low-Earth orbit and travel to the moon and back, setting the stage for the Apollo moon landing later on. Arizona Sen. and former astronaut Mark Kelly paid tribute to Anders, noting that he inspired generations of astronauts and explorers. The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA are currently investigating the plane crash that led to Anders’ tragic passing.
During his NASA career, Anders also served as backup crew for Apollo 11 and Gemini XI. He later founded the Heritage Flight Museum in Washington state with his wife, Valerie. The museum features aircraft, military vehicles, artifacts, and a library, showcasing the couple’s passion for aviation and military history.
Anders’ legacy lives on through the iconic “Earthrise” photo, which continues to inspire people across various professions. The photo, capturing the fragility and beauty of Earth from space, left a lasting impact on those who viewed it. Despite the risks involved in the Apollo 8 mission, Anders believed in the importance of exploration and pushing the boundaries of human achievement.
Born in Hong Kong in 1933, Anders graduated from the Naval Academy and served as a fighter pilot in the Air Force before embarking on his NASA career. He later held various positions in government and industry, including serving as ambassador to Norway. Anders leaves behind a legacy of exploration, environmental awareness, and dedication to preserving history through the Heritage Flight Museum.
In conclusion, William Anders’ contributions to space exploration and environmental awareness have left a lasting impact on society. His iconic “Earthrise” photo continues to inspire and remind us of the beauty and fragility of our planet. We mourn the loss of a pioneering astronaut and advocate for preserving our planet’s natural beauty.
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