FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Captain James A. “Jim” Lovell, U.S. Navy (Ret.) | Credit: NASA
August 14, 2025 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) issued the following statement by AIAA CEO Clay Mowry:
“AIAA joins the aerospace community in mourning the loss of Captain James A. “Jim” Lovell, U.S. Navy (Ret.).
As a Navy pilot and NASA astronaut who broke the barriers of air and space, he contributed immense knowledge to the aerospace community. His skills as an astronaut contributed to the U.S. establishing its preeminent leadership position in space.
Through piloting the Gemini 7 mission, he and Frank Borman demonstrated the first rendezvous of two manned maneuverable spacecraft. He then commanded the Gemini 12 mission with Pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, bringing the Gemini program to a successful close.
He later served as command module pilot and navigator in the Apollo 8 mission, the first human voyage to the moon. Along with his Apollo 8 crew members, Frank Borman and William A. “Bill” Anders, he became one of the first humans to leave Earth’s gravitational influence.
His contributions as the commander of the Apollo 13 mission – known as a successful failure – were remarkable. Our community understands the challenges and risks associated with space exploration. We are grateful for his iconic phrase, “Houston, we have a problem.” His legacy of level-headed problem solving and tireless teamwork will long be remembered.
AIAA was honored to recognize the entire crew of Apollo 13 – Fred W. Haise, Jim Lovell, and John L. “Jack” Swigert – with the AIAA Haley Astronautics Award. The citation reads, “For the exceptional manner in which the Apollo 13 crew conducted themselves and their spacecraft under extraordinary circumstances of extreme stress.”
The AIAA community sends our condolences to Capt. Lovell’s family and friends. The Institute is immensely grateful for his contributions to shaping the future of aerospace.”
Contact: Rebecca Gray, RebeccaG@AIAA.org, 804-397-5270 cell
About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit www.aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Hero image at top: Astronaut James A. Lovell Jr., pilot of the Gemini-7 spacecraft, walks up the ramp at Pad 19 during the Gemini-7 prelaunch countdown, December 4, 1965. | Credit: NASA
