Astronaut Frank Borman.commander of the legendary Apollo 8 mission, the first to orbit the Moon, died at 95the North American space agency (NASA) announced this Friday.
“Frank Borman was a true American hero,” said the head of the North American space agency, Bill Nelson, quoted in a statement.
This pioneer of space exploration He died on Tuesday in the state of Montana, NASA said. Aviation PassionateHe began his career as an officer in the North American Air Force.
“His exceptional experience and knowledge led him to be chosen by NASA to join its second group of astronauts,” said Bill Nelson.
In 1965, Borman traveled to space for the first time. during the Gemini 7 mission, which lasted 14 days. This mission accomplished the first space encountermanaging to approach within a few tens of centimeters of the Gemini 6 spacecraft.
The Apollo 8 mission took off in December 1968, with Frank Borman and two other astronauts, James Lovell and William Anders, on board.
The famous photograph “Earthrise” was taken during this mission.
“His service to NASA and our nation will undoubtedly inspire the Artemis generation to reach new cosmic shores,” said Bill Nelson.
NASA plans to return to the Moon with its Artemis program, successor to Apollo. The Artemis 2 mission It is expected to take off at the end of 2024. and circle the Moon with a crew on board, a mission compared to Apollo 8.
This time, NASA wants to establish a lasting human presence on the Moon, with the goal of making Earth’s natural satellite a springboard for manned missions to Mars.
Source: TSF
