Legendary Apollo 8 Astronaut William Anders Passes Away at 90
Pioneer of Space Exploration and Iconic Earthrise Photograph
June 8, 2024
The space exploration community mourns the loss of William Anders, a pioneer of space exploration and the photographer behind one of the most iconic images in human history: the Earthrise photograph.
Anders, who passed away at the age of 90, was a member of the Apollo 8 mission in 1968, which became the first manned spaceflight to orbit the Moon. During the mission, Anders captured the extraordinary image of Earth rising above the lunar horizon, a moment that forever changed humanity's perspective on our planet.
Born in Hong Kong in 1933, Anders graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1955. He was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1963 and flew on Apollo 8 alongside Frank Borman and Jim Lovell. The mission was a critical success, paving the way for the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing the following year.
After his retirement from NASA in 1971, Anders served as Executive Secretary for the National Space Council and later as a U.S. Ambassador to Norway. He remained an influential voice in space exploration throughout his life, advocating for international cooperation and the peaceful use of outer space.
Anders' legacy as an astronaut and photographer will continue to inspire generations to come. His iconic Earthrise photograph serves as a timeless reminder of the fragility and beauty of our planet, and his contributions to space exploration have forever etched his name in the annals of human history.
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