Apollo 8 Astronaut Bill Anders, Iconic Earthrise Photographer, Remembered After Tragic Plane Crash

Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders, famed for capturing the iconic Earthrise photograph during the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon, is being remembered following a tragic plane crash off Jones Island in Washington state. Anders, a pivotal figure in space exploration history, passed away at the age of 90.

The recent advancements in space flight, including Boeing’s Starliner capsule ferrying crew to the International Space Station, SpaceX‘s successful Starship rocket launch, and the ongoing NASA missions, have drawn attention to humanity’s enduring quest for the stars.

Bill Anders’ legacy is deeply intertwined with the Apollo 8 mission, where he, Frank Borman, and Jim Lovell embarked on a groundbreaking journey to the Moon, culminating in the historic Earthrise image that reshaped our perspective of our planet’s fragility and beauty.

Russell Lewis, NPR‘s Southern Bureau chief, commemorated Anders’ unparalleled contribution to space exploration, highlighting his distinguished career that spanned from the Naval Academy to the U.S. Air Force Reserve, NASA, and appointments such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission chairman and CEO of General Dynamics.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson paid tribute to Anders’ pioneering spirit, noting his instrumental role in inspiring generations and shaping the future of space exploration, with endeavors like the Artemis campaign to return astronauts to the Moon and venture towards Mars.

The news of Anders’ passing has reverberated across the space community, with colleagues, admirers, and those touched by his iconic Earthrise photograph reflecting on his profound impact on our understanding of the cosmos and our place within it.