Jim Lovell, the astronaut and commander of the Apollo 13 mission, has died aged 97.

Nasa confirmed the death of Mr Lovell in a post on X, formerly Twitter, and said: “We are saddened by the passing of Jim Lovell, commander of Apollo 13 and a four-time spaceflight veteran.

“Lovell’s life and work inspired millions. His courage under pressure helped forge our path to the Moon and beyond – a journey that continues today.”

The US astronaut helped to save the failed mission on April 11 1970, which was set to be the third lunar landing.

Lovell managed to safely return the spacecraft to Earth following the explosion of an oxygen tank.

Lovell was born in Cleveland in Ohio and he graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1952.

Nasa, released a statement fro

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