December 21 named Captain James Lovell Day in Illinois; retired NASA astronaut known for Apollo 13, Apollo 8, Gemini 12 missions

CHICAGO (WLS) — One of the world’s most legendary explorers, James Lovell, spoke with ABC7 on Saturday about the honor of December 21 being named Captain James Lovell Day in Illinois.

The honor has been a long time coming for the 96-year-old, who is now being recognized for his incredible contribution because of the efforts of two Illinois state senators.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Lovell began his career in aviation as a navy pilot before being chosen by NASA in 1962.

As an astronaut, Lovell had several missions that make up the fabric of historic firsts.

He was a part of the Gemini 12 mission, which was the first rendezvous of the two-manned maneuverable spacecraft, as well as his favorite mission, Apollo 8, where he and his fellow crewmen became the first humans to leave earth’s gravitational pull and orbit the moon.

But Lovell is best remembered as commander of the Apollo 13 mission, where an oxygen tank exploded two days after the launch, depleting oxygen and power inside the command module odyssey.

The mishap sparked a rush to rescue the crew stranded more than 200,000 miles from home and the remarks of Lovell were made famous in the 1995 “Apollo 13” movie starring Tom Hanks.

Lovell’s heroics were celebrated as the trio returned safely to earth.

Now, Lovell resides quietly in Chicago’s north suburbs, remembering his career as an explorer.

And while he managed to accomplish so much, he wishes he could have gone to Mars.

Artifacts from his many travels are housed at the Adler Planetarium, as are his many dreams of future space exploration as he continues to look to the stars.

Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Bryan Kohberger case: Surviving roommate saw Xana Kernodle on floor after encounter with masked intruder

Close friends of the victims in Idaho found a spooky sign before the tragic killings

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The college friends who…
RFK Jr. reveals what makes Trump cry and the 'Neocon Warhawk' Cabinet member who won him over

Insight by RFK Jr.: Trump’s Trigger and the Cabinet Member Who Gained His Favor

In a comprehensive discussion with Tucker Carlson, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared…
Americans at July 4th celebrations warned of lone wolf terrorist threat

Warning to Americans about the risk of lone wolf terrorism during July 4th celebrations

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Authorities at both local…
Federal funding still frozen for Northwestern University medical research; school has not heard from Trump administration

Northwestern University medical research continues to face federal funding freeze; no communication from Trump administration

EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) — Frozen without any warning or explanation: That’s what…
Israel releases conversations with Gaza residents amid criticisms of aid delivery system

Israel shares talks with Gaza locals amidst concerns about aid distribution process

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Israel’s Coordinator for Government…
Trump scores major win after Senate passes his 'big, beautiful bill' despite GOP drama

Senate passes Trump’s successful bill amid GOP drama

The U.S. Senate passed its version of President Donald Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful…
The only thing more grotesque than the Bezos-Sanchez wedding? The Hollywood liberals who weren't invited and can't stop whining about it: MEREDITH CLARK

“The Controversial Bezos-Sanchez Wedding: Hollywood Celebrities Express Their Discontent – MEREDITH CLARK”

Hollywood glamor has never looked as dreary as it did this weekend…
‘The Old Guard’ Recap: What To Remember From ‘The Old Guard’ Before You Watch ‘The Old Guard 2’

Recap of ‘The Old Guard’: Key Points to Recall Before Watching ‘The Old Guard 2’

It’s been a long five years, but The Old Guard 2 release…
Breaking: Tall Ship Crashes Into Brooklyn Bridge, Multiple People Injured

Why was the Mexican Navy ship reversing during the Brooklyn Bridge crash, making the situation even stranger?

Kathy Griffin sparks outrage after shocking anti-Trump video

Kathy Griffin causes anger with controversial video criticizing Trump

Kathy Griffin has sparked outrage after sharing a video showing artwork of…
Lululemon's shock lawsuit against Costco for selling alleged 'dupes' BACKFIRES

Lululemon’s unexpected legal action against Costco for selling suspected imitations results in a negative outcome.

Lululemon’s latest lawsuit might be creating more hype for its competition than…
Update: Horrifying Details Emerge About Alleged Capital Jewish Museum Shooter and His Victims

County Sheriff Identifies Coeur d’Alene Killer with No Apparent Criminal Record

More details are coming to light regarding the shooter who lured firefighters…