Ken Mattingly, Apollo 16 astronaut who orbited the moon, dies at 87 [View all]
Last edited Fri Nov 3, 2023, 06:40 AM - Edit history (1)
Source: CBS News
Updated on: November 2, 2023 / 8:54 PM EDT
Thomas K. Mattingly, a key commander during the Apollo 16 mission to the moon, died at age 87, NASA announced Thursday. Mattingly, known as Ken or T.K., died on Oct. 31, NASA confirmed in a statement.
"NASA astronaut TK Mattingly was key to the success of our Apollo Program, and his shining personality will ensure he is remembered throughout history," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said.
A skilled pilot, Mattingly was hailed for his accomplishments as the command module pilot for the Apollo 16 mission that landed on the moon in 1972. During that mission, the astronaut team was able to collect samples from the lunar highlands and achieve all its major objectives.
But he was also well known for being removed from the ill-fated Apollo 13 crew 72 hours before its scheduled launch. Mattingly was removed at the last minute after exposure to German measles. Backup command module pilot Jack Swigert replaced Mattingly. On April 11, 1970, the Apollo 13 blasted off with Swigert at the helm and astronauts Jim Lovell and Fred Haise.
Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ken-mattingly-apollo-16-astronaut-dies-at-87/
This made me think of the film "Apollo 13" and his depiction (by Gary Sinese). R.I.P.
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