Jim Lovell, Apollo 13 commander, has died
News of Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell’s death prompts reflections on his composure during the near-fatal mission, his broader role in Gemini and Apollo, and his reputation as a humble, generous figure who inspired many in person and through film and literature. Commenters note ironies and trivia of the Apollo era—such as astronauts’ exceptional longevity, Lovell’s multiple trips to the Moon without landing, and the dwindling number of living Moon voyagers—while debating whether renewed human missions to the Moon or Mars are worth the cost and risk. Many express a sense of loss not just for Lovell himself, but for a period when ambitious spaceflight goals symbolized collective human progress.
Legacy and Personal Character
- Widely remembered as calm, professional, and exemplary under extreme pressure, especially during Apollo 13.
- Multiple commenters who met him (at schools, his restaurant, universities) describe him as kind, humble, “down to Earth,” and generous with credit to his team.
- Many express a sense of personal loss and call him an inspiration and a true “hero,” with repeated “Godspeed” / “ad astra” sentiments.
Apollo 13, Apollo 8, and NASA’s Peak
- Apollo 13 is seen as the pinnacle of NASA’s engineering and operational capability: crisis management, teamwork, and cool-headed decision-making.
- Commenters highlight the ground teams’ problem‑solving as crucial, citing books that focus on the engineering and management side.
- Apollo 8 is also called out as an audacious mission; Lovell’s role on both flights reinforces his status in the program.
- Some lament that he never walked on the Moon, calling it an “utter shame.”
Film Portrayal and Cultural Impact
- The 1995 film Apollo 13 is credited with making him one of the most famous astronauts in popular culture.
- Commenters note differences between the film and reality: the real crew remained remarkably calm; the on‑board argument and the famous “Houston, we have a problem” phrasing are dramatizations.
- The parachute‑opening scene is often cited as deeply emotional; music and editing are praised.
- People enjoy trivia such as his cameo as the ship’s captain in the film.
Astronaut Health, Longevity, and Trivia
- Discussion of Lovell as the only person to travel to the Moon twice without landing.
- Thread explores how many Moon‑orbiters and Moon‑walkers are still alive and whether walking on the Moon correlates with longevity.
- Most conclude health outcomes are driven by stringent selection, age differences, and personality factors, not lunar walking itself; sample sizes are acknowledged as tiny.
- Linked data suggests astronauts in general live longer than the broader population.
Future of Human Spaceflight
- Several hope humans return to the Moon while at least one Apollo astronaut is still alive.
- Others question the practical value of Moon/Mars bases versus Earth and low‑Earth orbit research, citing cost, danger, and limited direct scientific payoff.
- Counterarguments emphasize inspiration, technological spinoffs, and long‑term species survival as justification for ambitious missions.