Astronaut Thomas Kenneth “TK” Mattingly, known for his crucial role in guiding the Apollo 13 mission to safety in 1970, has passed away at the age of 87, as announced by officials on Thursday.
“We mourn the loss of one of our country’s heroes, NASA astronaut TK Mattingly. His significant contributions to the success of the Apollo Program and his vibrant personality ensure that he will be remembered throughout history,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in a statement.
Mattingly began his career as a Navy pilot and later joined the NASA astronaut class of 1966. In 1972, he served as the command module pilot for Apollo 16, where astronauts explored the moon’s Descartes Highlands.
However, Mattingly’s most notable achievement was his ground support during the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. Originally slated to be aboard the ill-fated spacecraft, he was replaced 72 hours before the launch due to a potential exposure to rubella.
The explosion on Apollo 13 led to the famous call for help from astronaut John “Jack” Swigert, which is often misquoted as “Houston, we have a problem.”
This intense mission was brought back to life in Ron Howard’s 1995 film “Apollo 13,” with Gary Sinise portraying Mattingly.
Earlier this year, Sinise commemorated the 53rd anniversary of the Apollo 13 launch by sharing behind-the-scenes photos and paying tribute to Mattingly.
Mattingly’s guidance and decision-making on the ground played a vital role in the safe return of astronauts Jack Swigert, Fred Haise, and James Lovell.
“While the crew of Apollo 13 fought to return home, he remained behind and made critical real-time decisions that led to their successful rescue. Mattingly provided invaluable support to Lovell, Swigert, and Haise,” Nelson stated.
His fellow astronaut Buzz Aldrin remembered Mattingly as someone who remained unshaken under pressure. “The passing of my friend and esteemed colleague, American hero TK Mattingly, is heartbreaking news. This loss deeply affects his family, friends, the space and astronaut community, and our nation,” said Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission.
“He was an outstanding test pilot, a Navy veteran, a man of great character. I will always admire his ability to handle immense responsibility under pressure without faltering—an exemplar of true professionalism. We will greatly miss him. Rest in Peace, Ken.”
Mattingly also served as the commander of the final test flight of the space shuttle Columbia, which launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 27, 1982.
“TK’s contributions have expanded our knowledge and understanding of space. He once described his experience in orbit by saying, ‘I had this very palpable fear that if I saw too much, I couldn’t remember. It was just so impressive.’ He viewed the vastness of the universe as an endless realm of possibilities. As a leader in pioneering missions, TK will be remembered for boldly venturing into the unknown for the betterment of our nation’s future,” Nelson emphasized.
Auburn University, where Mattingly received his bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering in 1958, also expressed their grief over his passing.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of American hero and astronaut TK Mattingly,” the university stated.
This article was originally published on Reference
