American astronaut Jim Lovell, commander of the Apollo 13 mission, died

The American astronaut Jim Lovell, commander of the famous Lunar Mission Apollo 13, who had failed to turn to a disaster in 1970 after an explosion in flight, died at the age of 97, NASA announced on Friday.

“NASA presents its condolences to the family of Captain Jim Lovell. Moreover, whose life and work have inspired millions of people over the decades,” the space agency said in a statement, welcoming its “unwavering character and courage” having allowed the United States “to reach the Moon”.

The American, who never walked on the Moon, has remained one of the big names in the American lunar program, world known for having pronounced the famous “Houston, we have a problem”.

Embodied on the big screen by Tom Hanks in the eponymous blockbuster “Apollo 13” released in 1995. his composure during this chaotic space odyssey earned him a large recognition.

Launched on April 11. 1970, nine months after the first historic steps of Neil Amstrong on the Moon, the mission piloted by Jim Lovell alongside the astronauts Fred Haise and Jack Swigert had to land on the star.

But an explosion had occurred in full flight, causing an oxygen leak, upset these plans.

“Houston, we have a problem,” Jim Lovell said laconically at the NASA control american astronaut jim lovell, commander center.

America. which already considered these flights as a routine, was then projected live in a unprecedented tragedy, three men risking staying forever in space.

Thanks to the composure of the commander. the NASA, the trio had happily got out, managing to come back safe and except to earth.