William Anders: A Look Into the Life of a NASA Astronaut - Apollo 8 astronaut perishes in accident
William Anders, the ex-"Apollo 8" astronaut known for capturing the iconic "Earthrise" shot of the Earth appearing blue-white against space's dark backdrop in 1968, passed away on Friday (June 7). Reports suggest he crashed a plane into the sea close to Washington's San Juan Islands. Anders was 90. His son, Greg Anderson, confirmed the news to "CBS News," mentioning that the ill-fated aircraft belonged to his father. No passengers were aboard.
Anders hailed from Hong Kong, studied at a military academy, and the Air Force Institute of Technology. He was selected to become a NASA space astronaut in 1964 and had over 6,000 flying hours.
"He enabled us to perceive something else: ourselves"
Anders not only participated in the "Apollo 8" journey but was also a substitute pilot for both "Gemini 11" and "Apollo 11" trips. NASA's Chief Bill Nelson (81) posted on social media that Anders "flew to the moon's threshold" during the "Apollo 8" expedition, helped "us all perceive something else: ourselves." He encapsulated the core principles and goals of exploration. Will be missed dearly.
The "Earthrise" photo was captured on Christmas Eve 1968 when Anders, Frank Borman (1928-2023), and Jim Lovell (96) orbited the moon. The picture swiftly became a signifier of the environmental movement. Anders, Borman, and Lovell were the first humans to leave Earth's low orbit, hovering around the moon, setting the stage for the "Apollo 11" lunar landing in the year ahead. The "Apollo 8" crew was the first to lay eyes on the moon's mysterious, hidden side. According to news outlets, many experts deem the "Apollo 8" mission the most hazardous in the space program's history.
