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Maj. Gen. William A. Anders, a distinguished astronaut celebrated for his pivotal role in the Apollo 8 mission and renowned for capturing the iconic “Earthrise” photograph, tragically passed away at the age of 90 in a plane crash near Roche Harbor, Wash.
General Anders, a luminary in space exploration, etched his name in history during the 1968 Apollo 8 mission, where he, alongside Col. Frank Borman and Capt. James A. Lovell Jr., embarked on the first manned space voyage to orbit the moon. Amid their historic journey, General Anders seized the momentous “Earthrise” photograph, showcasing our planet’s majestic beauty against the backdrop of the lunar horizon. This singular image catalyzed the modern environmental movement, inspiring generations to cherish and safeguard the fragile ecosystems of our world.
Born on October 17, 1933, in Hong Kong, General Anders’ early years were marked by extraordinary events, including the Panay Incident, where his father’s valorous actions amid Japanese bombings earned him the Navy Cross. Following his family’s relocation to the United States, General Anders pursued a distinguished military career, graduating from the Naval Academy and later joining NASA as a member of the esteemed Apollo 8 crew.
Beyond his pioneering achievements in space exploration, General Anders’ legacy extended to diplomatic and corporate realms, where he served as ambassador to Norway and held executive roles with leading organizations like General Electric and Textron. His unwavering dedication to advancing aerospace technology and environmental stewardship left an indelible mark on both science and society.
General Anders’ passing leaves a void in the aerospace community, yet his spirit of exploration and commitment to preserving our planet’s beauty will endure as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. As we bid farewell to a visionary astronaut and environmental advocate, his legacy will continue to illuminate the path toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
