As human space missions venture farther into deep space, the challenge of maintaining crew health grows increasingly complex. Unlike current missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where astronauts rely heavily on constant communication with Earth-based medical teams,

Nicknamed "Smilin’ Jim” by his fellow astronauts, Jim Lovell was known for his wit and quick grin, said acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy.

Jim Lovell, one of the first astronauts to orbit the moon and leader of the famed Apollo 13 mission, has died at 97. Acting NASA administrator Sean Duffy confirmed the news of Lovell’s passing in a statement.