William Anders, the Apollo 8 astronaut renowned for capturing the iconic “Earthrise” photograph, has passed away at the age of 90. The announcement was made by NASA administrator Bill Nelson on Friday.
Anders’ historic photograph, taken on Christmas Eve in 1968, during the Apollo 8 mission, profoundly impacted humanity’s perception of Earth and our place in the universe. The image, showing the stark, desolate lunar surface with the vibrant, blue Earth rising above the horizon, became a symbol of the fragility and unity of our planet.
The Apollo 8 mission was a groundbreaking journey, marking the first time humans orbited the Moon and providing an unprecedented view of both the lunar surface and Earth from space. Anders, along with fellow astronauts Frank Borman and Jim Lovell, played a crucial role in this pivotal moment in space exploration.
Bill Nelson commemorated Anders’ legacy, highlighting his contributions to science, exploration, and the inspiration he provided to generations around the globe. Anders’ remarkable life and achievements continue to resonate, underscoring the enduring significance of the Apollo missions.
Bill Nelson, in his statement, honored William Anders, saying, “Bill Anders offered to humanity among the deepest of gifts an astronaut can give. He traveled to the threshold of the Moon and helped all of us see something else: ourselves. He embodied the lessons and the purpose of exploration. We will miss him.”
Anders was part of the historic Apollo 8 mission, serving alongside Commander Frank Borman and Command Module Pilot James Lovell. This mission was notable for several pioneering achievements: it was the first manned Apollo mission launched aboard the Saturn V rocket and the first manned mission to enter lunar orbit. Their journey not only pushed the boundaries of space exploration but also gave humanity a new perspective on Earth and our place in the cosmos.
William Anders’ distinguished career began with his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1955. Following his graduation, he received a commission in the U.S. Air Force, where he furthered his education and expertise by obtaining a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in 1962. His academic achievements and military service laid the foundation for his selection as an astronaut and his pivotal role in the Apollo 8 mission, cementing his legacy in the annals of space exploration.
In late 1963, William Anders was selected as one of only 14 men chosen by NASA for the Astronaut Corps from a pool of thousands of applicants, according to the Heritage Flight Museum. His selection marked the beginning of his significant contributions to space exploration.
In 1996, Anders, along with his wife Valerie, founded the Heritage Flight Museum in Bellingham, Washington. The museum stands as a testament to his dedication to aviation and space history.
Following his spaceflight career, President Richard Nixon appointed Anders as the executive secretary of the National Aeronautics and Space Council in 1969, where he continued to influence U.S. space policy.
Apollo 8, during which he took the famous “Earthrise” photograph, was Anders’ only spaceflight. Despite this single mission, his impact on space exploration and his contributions to humanity’s understanding of Earth and space are enduring.
