James A. Lovell Jr., the commander of the Apollo 13 mission who famously guided his crew through a harrowing near-disaster and brought them safely back to Earth, passed away on Thursday in Lake Forest, Illinois. He was 97 years old.

Lovell’s death was confirmed by his daughter-in-law, Darice Lovell. He had been a longtime resident of Lake Forest.

A former Navy test pilot, Captain Lovell logged approximately 715 hours in space, more than any other astronaut involved in the early Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. These pioneering missions marked the United States’ intense competition with the Soviet Union to land a man on the moon during the 1960s space race.

Lovell’s most famous mission was Apollo 13 in April 1970. As the spacecraft approached the moon, an oxygen tank exploded, crippling the craft and putting the lives of Lovell and his two crewmates in grave danger. The mission quickly shifted from lunar exploration to a desperate fight for survival. Through extraordinary teamwork and ingenuity, including critical support from NASA’s ground crew, Lovell and his crew managed to return safely to Earth in what became one of the most remarkable rescue operations in spaceflight history.

His leadership and calm under pressure during the crisis earned him a place in history and inspired the 1995 film “Apollo 13,” in which actor Tom Hanks portrayed him.

Beyond Apollo 13, Lovell also flew on the Gemini 7 and Gemini 12 missions, further cementing his legacy as one of America’s most experienced and respected astronauts.

Throughout his life, Lovell was celebrated for his contributions to space exploration and his embodiment of resilience, courage, and innovation.

He leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire astronauts and space enthusiasts around the world.

James Lovell’s passing marks the end of an era for the pioneering heroes of the early space program, whose daring missions paved the way for humanity’s journey into the cosmos.