James A. Lovell Biography

Serves as command module pilot on Apollo 8.

Uses Apollo navigation procedures during the translunar coast to refine the spacecraft trajectory.

Observes Earth rising above the lunar horizon with the Apollo 8 crew during lunar orbit.

Participates in the Christmas Eve Genesis reading broadcast to Earth from lunar orbit.

Conducts landmark tracking and navigation observations during Apollo 8 lunar orbit.

Serves as command module pilot during the burn that places Apollo 8 into lunar orbit.

Serves as command module pilot during the burn that sends Apollo 8 from lunar orbit toward Earth.

Supports navigation and spacecraft operations during Apollo 8's return and reentry.

Returns from Apollo 8 after ten lunar orbits.

Commands Apollo 13 as it launches toward the Moon.

Commands Apollo 13 as the Saturn V sends Odyssey and Aquarius toward the Moon.

Leads the crew after Apollo 13 loses an oxygen tank.

Moves into Aquarius and helps activate the lunar module as an emergency lifeboat after the oxygen tank failure.

Commands a lunar module engine burn that restores Apollo 13 to a free-return trajectory around the Moon.

Leads the crew as Apollo 13 swings around the Moon on its emergency return trajectory.

Uses the Sun to verify lunar module guidance alignment when debris makes star sightings difficult.

Helps execute newly developed procedures to power Odyssey for reentry after days of minimal electrical use.

Helps separate the damaged service module, allowing the crew to inspect the explosion damage before reentry.

Returns safely with Haise and Swigert after the aborted lunar landing mission.