American astronaut and lunar explorer (1933–2024) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William Alison Anders (October 17, 1933 – June 7, 2024) was a United States Air Force officer, NASA astronaut, businessman, and engineer. He was a member of the Apollo 8 space mission. Anders, Frank Borman and Jim Lovell were the first astronauts to leave the orbit of the Earth and go to the Moon.
Bill Anders | |
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Anders in 1964 | |
| Born | William Alison Anders October 17, 1933 |
| Died | June 7, 2024 (aged 90) San Juan County, Washington, U.S. |
| Alma mater |
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| Awards |
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| Space career | |
| NASA astronaut | |
| Rank | Major General, USAFR |
Time in space | 6d 3h |
| Selection | NASA Group 3 (1963) |
| Missions | Apollo 8 |
Mission insignia |  |
| Retirement | September 1, 1969 |
| United States Ambassador to Norway | |
| In office May 11, 1976 – June 18, 1977 | |
| President | |
| Preceded by | Thomas Byrne |
| Succeeded by | Louis A. Lerner |
The crew took the first pictures taken of the earth from the Moon.[1][2]
The Anders crater on the Moon was named in his honor.
He was married to Valerie E. Hoard. He had six children, Alan, Glen, Gregory, Eric, Gayle and Daina.[3]
He was a fighter pilot and an air defence commander. He received a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering. He graduated from Naval Academy. In 1964, NASA selected him as an astronaut with important responsibilities.[3]
Anders was the U.S. Ambassador of Norway from 1976 until 1977.
Anders died on June 7, 2024, at the age of 90, when his plane crashed into Puget Sound between Jones Island and Orcas Island.[4][5][6][7]
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