Jim Lovell, the American astronaut who commanded the Apollo 13 mission, has died at the age of 97. In 1970, he commanded Apollo 13, the ill-fated mission that nearly lost its way in space due to an onboard oxygen tank explosion that prevented the moon landing. Lovell went down in history for his dramatic SOS call from space: "Houston, we have a problem," which successfully brought his crew back to Earth. But it was this very mission that brought him fame.

The historic mission was the subject of a film starring Tom Hanks as Lovell.

Lovell, nicknamed "Smilin'" for his unmistakable smile, flew in space four times on the Gemini VII, Gemini XII, Apollo 8, and Apollo 13 missions, inspiring generations of astronauts and others. NASA has confirmed his death.

His family, in a statement, remembers his accomplishments but especially his role as family leader. "We will miss his optimism, his sense of humor, and the way he made us feel."

(Unioneonline/Fr.Me.)

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