Apollo astronaut Frank Borman has died

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

News of Apollo 8 commander Frank Borman’s death prompts reflections on his pivotal role in the first crewed voyage to orbit the Moon, a mission some consider more historically significant than Apollo 11’s landing. Commenters highlight Borman’s no‑nonsense character, his later corporate career, and the underappreciated bravery and risk tolerance of the early astronaut corps. The conversation broadens to today’s human spaceflight efforts such as Artemis and China’s lunar ambitions, concern that no Moon walkers may soon remain alive, and frustration over Borman’s obituary being locked behind a paywall.

Obituary Paywalls & Access

  • Many are annoyed that Borman’s obituary is paywalled; some find it “outrageous,” especially for historical figures.
  • Others argue obits have always been paid content (by families and readers) and media shouldn’t be expected to host them for free.
  • People note libraries and archives historically provided free obituary access.
  • One person imagines a crowdsourced, open “WikiObituary” model; another warns that, in practice, Facebook is already filling that role, which some find distasteful.

Apollo 8, Borman, and Historical Significance

  • Several call Apollo 8 the greatest Apollo mission: first humans to the moon’s vicinity, huge unknowns, immense risk.
  • Some say Borman and crew never got the recognition they deserved compared to Apollo 11.
  • Borman is portrayed as no‑nonsense, mission‑focused, willing to challenge NASA, and deeply devoted to his family.
  • His attitude is summarized as being willing to fly even a “coffin” if it got the job done.

Surviving Moonwalkers and the Desire to Return

  • Commenters track how few lunar voyagers and walkers remain alive and worry there may be a gap with no living moonwalkers.
  • Many express a strong personal desire to see another moon landing in their lifetimes.
  • Opinions on Artemis:
    • Some optimistic that a landing in mid‑ to late‑2020s is possible.
    • Others highlight long delays, dependence on unproven lunar landers and refueling, and suggest dates closer to 2028 or even “decades.”
  • China’s proposed lunar base (with partners like Russia and Venezuela) is noted, with skepticism about partner capabilities but recognition of China’s rapid rise.

Space Programs, Politics, and Technology Transfer

  • Debate on whether space programs mainly serve national prestige, military R&D, PR, or genuine scientific/educational benefits.
  • Discussion of how many nations, historically including the US, bootstrapped technology via IP copying or seizure; China is seen as following a similar path but increasingly innovating on its own.
  • Some argue US leadership (“Pax Americana”) has been broadly beneficial; others criticize US exceptionalism and urge more humility.

Risk, Test Pilot Culture, and “The Right Stuff”

  • Multiple comments emphasize how dangerous test‑pilot and early astronaut careers were, with high peacetime casualty rates.
  • Apollo astronauts’ apparent comfort with extreme risk is seen as a different psychological profile than typical modern workers.
  • Contrast is drawn between life‑or‑death crew compatibility in spacecraft versus ordinary office teams, where adults are expected to cooperate despite differences.

Books, Media, and Resources

  • Strong recommendations for:
    • “Rocket Men” (Apollo 8),
    • “Apollo 8” (another detailed narrative),
    • “Lost Moon” (Apollo 13),
    • “Carrying the Fire” (widely praised as the best astronaut memoir),
    • “The Right Stuff.”
  • Mixed reactions to the “13 Minutes to the Moon” podcast: some love its depth; others dislike the heavy editing and pacing.

Legacy and Emotional Responses

  • Many express sadness and offer simple condolences and thanks for Borman’s service and courage.
  • Some share personal memories of Apollo 8 broadcasts, museum displays, and inspirational quotes, underscoring how formative the mission was for them.