8-6-2024 (WASHINGTON) A pioneering figure in the history of space exploration, retired astronaut William Anders, has tragically lost his life in a small plane crash off the coast of Washington state. The incident, which occurred on June 7, claimed the life of Anders, who at the age of 90 was piloting a vintage Air Force single-engine T-34 Mentor aircraft he owned.
Anders, a resident of San Juan County, was the sole occupant of the plane when it plunged into the waters near Jones Island, part of the picturesque San Juan Islands archipelago situated between Washington and Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The heartbreaking news was reported by local media outlets, including The Seattle Times, which cited Anders’ son, Greg, as the source of the information.
While Anders’ life was tragically cut short, his legacy as one of the first three humans to orbit the moon during NASA’s Apollo 8 mission in 1968 will forever be etched in the annals of space exploration. It was during this historic voyage that Anders captured the unforgettable “Earthrise” photograph, an iconic image that depicted our planet rising over the lunar horizon.
The Apollo 8 mission, which was originally scheduled for 1969, was accelerated due to concerns that the Soviet Union was rapidly advancing its own plans for a lunar orbit. As a result, Anders, along with mission commander Frank Borman and James Lovell, had only a few months to prepare for the risky but groundbreaking mission.
Apollo 8’s successful journey around the moon marked a pivotal moment in the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union, paving the way for the Apollo 11 lunar landing just seven months later. Beyond its scientific and technological achievements, the mission also served as a source of national pride and unity during a tumultuous period in American history, marred by the Vietnam War, civil unrest, and political assassinations.
As the “rookie” member of the crew, Anders played a crucial role in creating another indelible memory from the mission – leading the crew in a reading from the Book of Genesis as Apollo 8 transmitted stunning images of the lunar surface back to Earth on Christmas Eve.
Prior to his historic voyage into space, Anders had already distinguished himself through his service as an Air Force pilot and a graduate of the prestigious United States Naval Academy. He joined NASA in 1963 as part of the third group of astronauts, but it wasn’t until December 21, 1968, that he embarked on his first and only spaceflight aboard Apollo 8.
Upon their return to Earth three days later, Anders and his crewmates were celebrated as national heroes, gracing the cover of Time magazine as “Men of the Year” for their extraordinary achievement.
