Seattle, Washington – William Anders, a former astronaut known for taking the iconic “Earthrise” photo during the Apollo 8 mission in 1968, tragically passed away at the age of 90. The incident occurred when the plane he was piloting alone crashed into the waters off the San Juan Islands in Washington state.
His son, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Greg Anders, confirmed the devastating news, expressing the family’s profound loss. William Anders, a retired major general, considered the “Earthrise” photo as his most significant contribution to the space program, alongside ensuring the functionality of the Apollo 8 command module and service module.
The breathtaking photograph, the first color image of Earth from space, profoundly impacted how humans viewed the planet and is credited with sparking the global environmental movement. NASA Administrator and former Senator Bill Nelson praised Anders for embodying the essence of exploration and enabling humanity to see itself from a different perspective.
During the Apollo 8 mission, Anders captured the stunning photo during the crew’s fourth orbit of the moon, capturing a moment that forever changed how people viewed Earth. The mission, which departed low-Earth orbit to travel to the moon and back, set the stage for the historic Apollo moon landing.
A report confirmed that the plane Anders was piloting, an older-model Beech A45 airplane, crashed into the water near Jones Island. The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA are conducting an investigation into the crash. William Anders, in a 1997 NASA oral history interview, reflected on how the Apollo 8 mission carried risks but was driven by national pride and exploration.
Anders’ legacy extended beyond space exploration; he and his wife, Valerie, established the Heritage Flight Museum in 1996, showcasing various aircraft and military artifacts. His contributions to science, diplomacy, and aviation have left a lasting impact, inspiring future generations of explorers.
From serving on the Atomic Energy Commission to holding diplomatic roles and working in the private sector, Anders’ diverse career exemplified his dedication to advancing knowledge and understanding. His profound influence on space exploration and environmental awareness will be remembered by many for years to come.