John Watts Young was one of the most experienced astronauts of the space agency who participated in the Gemini and Apollo programs. On January 6, 2018, his death was announced by the current NASA administrator, Robert Lightfoot. Young was 87 years old and died at home due to pneumonia complications.
In today’s statement, Lightfoot remarked:
John Young was at the forefront of human space exploration with his poise, talent, and tenacity. He was in every way the ‘astronaut’s astronaut.’ We will miss him.
Thanks to his extensive curriculum and charismatic persona, Young was a highly respected member of the agency. He served as a chief of NASA’s astronaut office for over 10 years. Before that, he was a member of the Gemini 3 team in March 1965. In July 1966, Young commanded Gemini 10. In May 1969, he commanded the second manned mission to orbit the moon, Apollo 10.
His last launch was in 1983 when he piloted Columbia shuttle, which flew 10 consecutive days.
Written by Bassil Sockar
Edited by Cathy Milne
Sources:
NASA: NASA Remembers Agency’s Most Experienced Astronaut
The New York Times: John Young, Who Led First Space Shuttle Mission, Dies at 87
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