William Anders, astronaut who took the famous ‘Earthrise’ photo, dies at 90

TL;DR


• William Anders, one of the astronauts on the Apollo 8 mission, is renowned for capturing the iconic "Earthrise" photograph during the historic 1968 mission. The photograph, which shows the Earth rising above the lunar surface, is considered one of the most influential images of the 20th century, as it helped to inspire the environmental movement and a greater appreciation for the fragility of our planet.

• Anders' journey to becoming an astronaut was not a straightforward one. He initially pursued a career in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a fighter pilot and test pilot before being selected as one of the third group of astronauts in 1963. His experience as a pilot and his technical expertise made him a valuable asset to the Apollo program, and he played a crucial role in the successful completion of the Apollo 8 mission.

• After his historic spaceflight, Anders continued to serve NASA in various capacities, including as the first executive secretary of the National Aeronautics and Space Council. He also worked in the private sector, serving as the chairman and chief executive officer of General Dynamics Corporation. Despite his many accomplishments, Anders is most widely recognized for his iconic "Earthrise" photograph, which has become a symbol of the beauty and fragility of our planet.

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