Commander of the First U.S. Mission to the Moon Dies at 95
Commander of the First U.S. Mission to the Moon Dies at 95
Astronaut Frank Borman, the commander of Apollo 8’s historic Christmas 1968 flight that circled the moon 10 times and paved the way for the lunar landing the following year, has passed away at the age of 95.
Borman, who also led Eastern Airlines in the 1970s and early ’80s, was best known for his NASA duties. Alongside his crew members James Lovell and William Anders, he became the first Apollo mission to fly to the moon and witness Earth as a distant sphere in space.
“Today we remember one of NASA’s best. Astronaut Frank Borman was a true American hero,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
On December 21, 1968, the Apollo 8 trio launched from Florida’s Cape Canaveral and spent three days traveling to the moon. They entered lunar orbit on Christmas Eve and completed 10 orbits before returning home on December 27.
On Christmas Eve, the astronauts read from the Book of Genesis in a live telecast from the orbiter.
Borman and Lovell had previously flown together during the Gemini 7 mission in 1965, which achieved the first space orbital rendezvous with Gemini 6.
In his autobiography, “Countdown: An Autobiography,” Borman revealed that Apollo 8 was initially planned to orbit Earth. However, the success of Apollo 7’s mission in October 1968 and the desire to surpass the Russians led NASA to change the plan and aim for the moon.
“My main concern in this whole flight was to get there ahead of the Russians and get home. That was a significant achievement in my eyes,” Borman said.
During the mission, William Anders captured the iconic “Earthrise” photo, showing a blue and white Earth rising above the gray lunar landscape. Borman described the view of Earth from afar as an intensely emotional experience, believing it to be what God sees.
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How did Frank Borman’s career and contributions to the Apollo program impact the future of space exploration
Moon. The mission, which took place during the height of the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union, was a groundbreaking moment in human history.
Born on March 14, 1928, in Gary, Indiana, Frank Borman had always been fascinated by flight and space exploration. After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1950, he became an Air Force pilot and eventually joined NASA in 1962. His selection as the commander of Apollo 8 was a testament to his expertise and leadership skills.
Apollo 8, launched on December 21, 1968, was the first manned mission to leave Earth’s orbit, travel to the moon, and return safely. The crew spent six days in space, with three of those days in orbit around the moon. Their iconic photograph, “Earthrise,” captured the beauty and fragility of our planet, and their live television broadcast on Christmas Eve became one of the most-watched events in history.
Borman’s leadership during the Apollo 8 mission was crucial. Under his guidance, the crew successfully navigated the complexities of lunar orbit insertion, a critical maneuver that had never been attempted before. His calm demeanor and decision-making skills ensured the mission’s success and set the stage for the lunar landing of Apollo 11 in 1969.
After leaving NASA in 1970, Borman took on new challenges in the private sector. He became the CEO of Eastern Airlines and led the company through a tumultuous period, navigating labor disputes and financial difficulties. His leadership was instrumental in keeping the airline afloat during challenging times.
Throughout his life, Borman remained a passionate advocate for space exploration. He often spoke about the importance of human exploration beyond Earth and the potential benefits it could bring to humanity. His contributions to the Apollo program and his dedication to advancing our understanding of the universe will always be remembered.
Frank Borman’s passing marks the end of an era. As the commander of the first U.S. mission to the moon, he will forever be remembered as a pioneer and a hero. His courage, leadership, and scientific achievements have left an indelible mark on the history of space exploration. Borman’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of astronauts and scientists as they reach for the stars and push the boundaries of human knowledge.
As we mourn the loss of a great man, let us also celebrate his remarkable contributions to our understanding of the universe. Frank Borman’s legacy will forever be intertwined with the exploration of space, reminding us of the limitless possibilities that lie beyond our own planet. May he rest in peace, knowing that his journey to the moon has paved the way for countless others to follow in his footsteps.
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