Jim Lovell, the renowned astronaut who commanded the Apollo 13 mission, has died at the age of 97. NASA announced his passing on Friday, stating that Lovell died on August 7 in Lake Forest, Illinois. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Lovell is best known for leading the Apollo 13 mission in 1970, which became famous for its near-disastrous circumstances. The mission was intended to land on the moon but was forced to change course after an oxygen tank exploded en route. Despite the challenges, Lovell and his crew, Fred Haise and Jack Swigert, managed to return safely to Earth, turning what was initially seen as a failure into a remarkable story of survival and ingenuity.

Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy praised Lovell's contributions, stating, "Jim's character and steadfast courage helped our nation reach the Moon and turned a potential tragedy into a success from which we learned an enormous amount." Lovell's leadership during the crisis showcased the quick thinking and problem-solving skills that have become hallmarks of NASA missions.

Born on March 25, 1928, in Cleveland, Lovell graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952. He was selected as a NASA astronaut in 1962 and flew four space missions, including the historic Apollo 8 mission in 1968, which was the first to orbit the moon. Lovell's experiences in space made him one of NASA's most traveled astronauts during the agency's early years.

During the Apollo 13 mission, Lovell famously reported, "Houston, we've had a problem," a phrase that has since become iconic. The mission's challenges captivated the public and highlighted the capabilities of NASA's flight controllers and engineers, who worked tirelessly to devise a rescue plan. Lovell later reflected on the mission, saying, "In some sense it was very much of a success. Not that we accomplished anything, but a success in that we demonstrated the capability of (NASA) personnel."

Lovell's legacy extends beyond his space missions. He co-authored the book "Lost Moon," which recounts the Apollo 13 story and served as the basis for the 1995 film "Apollo 13," in which he was portrayed by actor Tom Hanks. Lovell's calm demeanor and leadership under pressure earned him respect and admiration from colleagues and the public alike.

Lovell is survived by his four children. His family released a statement expressing pride in his accomplishments and describing him as a hero. They said, "We are enormously proud of his amazing life and career accomplishments, highlighted by his legendary leadership in pioneering human space flight. But, to all of us, he was Dad, Granddad, and the Leader of our family. Most importantly, he was our Hero. We will miss his unshakeable optimism, his sense of humor, and the way he made each of us feel we could do the impossible. He was truly one of a kind."

As the world remembers Jim Lovell, his contributions to space exploration and his remarkable journey through adversity will continue to inspire future generations.