HUTCHINSON, Kan. (KSNW) — The Cosmosphere is paying tribute to Captain Jim Lovell, the Apollo 13 commander whose steady leadership during a near-disaster made him an American hero.

Lovell died Thursday at the age of 97 in Lake Forest, Illinois, surrounded by family. The Hutchinson space museum, which displays the Apollo 13 Command Module “Odyssey” and other artifacts from Lovell’s missions, called his passing a loss for the nation.

“The Cosmosphere was saddened to learn of Captain Lovell's passing. He was an icon and true American hero,” Jim Remar, Cosmosphere president and CEO, said in a statement. “The Cosmosphere is proud to carry on his legacy through the display of several artifacts associated with the missions including the Apollo 13 Command Module, Odyssey.”

Lovell’s composure an

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