The recent passing of Apollo astronaut Maj. Gen. (ret.) William “Bill” Anders at the age of 90 has left a profound impact on the space exploration community. As a member of the Apollo 8 crew in 1968, Anders was one of the first three people to orbit the Moon and provided humanity with the iconic image of Earthrise. This image, showing Earth suspended in space, illuminated in light and hidden in darkness, gave us a new perspective on our planet and our place in the universe.
Throughout his 26 years of service, Anders wore many hats – from U.S. Air Force officer to astronaut, engineer, ambassador, and advisor. His contributions to space exploration have inspired countless individuals to dream of new possibilities and adventures beyond Earth. As NASA embarks on the Artemis campaign to return astronauts to the Moon and ultimately venture to Mars, Anders’ legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Anders’ life was marked by the spirit of a pioneer, the vision of a dreamer, the skill of a pilot, and the heart of an adventurer. His impact will resonate for years to come, shaping the way we view the cosmos and encouraging us to reach for the stars.
To learn more about the remarkable career of William “Bill” Anders and his contributions to NASA, visit the agency’s biography page at https://www.nasa.gov/former-astronaut-william-a-anders/. NASA, along with all those who gaze up at the vast expanse of the night sky and envision new possibilities, mourns the loss of a true hero in the field of space exploration. Bill Anders may have passed on, but his legacy will continue to inspire us to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of space exploration.
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