Remembering a Space Pioneer: William Anders, Apollo 8 Astronaut and Earthrise Photographer

William Anders, the famed astronaut from the historic Apollo 8 mission and the visionary behind the iconic ‘Earthrise’ photo, tragically passed away in a plane crash off the San Juan Islands.

Operating a Beech A45 plane, Anders, who was alone in the aircraft, crashed into the waters near the islands, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped humanity’s perception of Earth.

His son, Greg Anders, a retired Air Force Lt. Col., confirmed the devastating news to the press, highlighting William’s exceptional piloting skills and profound impact on space exploration.

William Anders, a key figure in NASA‘s Apollo 8, captured the Earthrise image during the mission, which marked the first color photo of Earth from space, inspiring global environmental awareness.

His contribution to the Apollo 8 mission, alongside Frank Borman and James Lovell, Jr., laid the groundwork for the subsequent Apollo moon landing and fundamentally changed how humanity viewed our planet.

Born in Hong Kong in 1933, Anders’ journey led him from the Naval Academy to the Air Force, shaping his illustrious career as an astronaut, diplomat, and influential leader in the aerospace industry.

Post-retirement, Anders and his wife, Valerie, established the Heritage Flight Museum in Washington state, preserving a rich aviation legacy that continues to inspire future generations of pilots and enthusiasts.

Settling in Orcas Island and maintaining ties to San Diego, Anders’ dedication to education, environmental causes, and aviation excellence leaves a lasting mark on the world of space exploration.