The New Mexico Museum of Space History has announced the death of astronaut Jim Lovell, who passed away on July 7, 2025, at the age of 97. Lovell was recognized for his role in advancing space exploration and was an honoree in the International Space Hall of Fame.
James A. Lovell Jr., born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1928, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952 and served as a naval aviator and test pilot before joining NASA’s astronaut program in 1962. He flew on four missions: Gemini 7, Gemini 12, Apollo 8—the first mission to orbit the Moon—and Apollo 13.
As commander of Apollo 13 in 1970, Lovell led his crew through a critical emergency after an onboard failure. His leadership during this mission has been widely recognized. In total, he spent nearly one month in space and became the first person to travel to the Moon twice without landing.
After retiring from NASA and the Navy in 1973, Lovell worked in business and received several awards for his contributions to space exploration. These included the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, and induction into the International Space Hall of Fame in 1982. He co-authored "Lost Moon," which later inspired the film "Apollo 13," where he made a cameo appearance.
Lovell’s legacy is seen as influential for future generations interested in space exploration.
"The New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. A Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum showcases the significant role New Mexico has played in the development of the U.S. Space Program and features the International Space Hall of Fame, and New Horizons Dome Theater."
