William Alison Anders
American Astronaut and NASA Member
Early Life and Education
William Alison "Bill" Anders was born on October 17, 1933, in Hong Kong. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1955 and later earned a Master of Science degree in nuclear engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Military Career and NASA Selection
Anders served as a pilot in the United States Air Force (USAF) and eventually attained the rank of major general. In 1963, he was selected to join NASA's third astronaut group, known as the NASA Nine.
Apollo 8 Mission
Anders made history on December 21, 1968, as part of the Apollo 8 crew. As the Lunar Module Pilot, he and fellow astronauts Frank Borman and Jim Lovell became the first humans to orbit the Moon. During the mission, Anders took the iconic "Earthrise" photograph, which captured a stunning view of Earth rising over the lunar horizon.
Later Career and Death
After the Apollo 8 mission, Anders served in various roles at NASA, including as Executive Secretary of the National Aeronautics and Space Council and as Chairman of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel. He retired from NASA in 1990 and passed away in the San Juan Islands on June 7, 2024.
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