Jim Lovell, Astronaut of Apollo 13's 'Successful Failure,' Passes Away at 97

Jim Lovell, the American astronaut famous for commanding the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission that nearly ended in disaster but was a testament to human ingenuity and survival, has died at age 97. An explosion put the lives of crew members at risk, yet the mission became a successful recovery story.

American astronaut Jim Lovell, who commanded the troubled 1970 Apollo 13 mission that became a saga of survival, has died at the age of 97. Lovell's odyssey, immortalized in the film "Apollo 13," is celebrated as a "successful failure," showcasing human perseverance in the face of dire circumstances.

The Apollo 13 mission, intended as NASA's third lunar landing, faced catastrophe when an explosion jeopardized the lives of Lovell and his crew. Despite the adversity, their quick thinking and collaboration with Mission Control helped guide the crippled spacecraft safely back to Earth.

The dramatic voyage captivated the world and became a symbol of resilience. Lovell, also known for past NASA achievements, never embarked on another moon mission after Apollo 13. His life's story inspired both literature and film, cementing his legacy in space exploration history.

(With inputs from agencies.)