New York, NY

## Apollo 8 Astronaut William Anders Dies in Plane Crash

WILLIAM ANDERS, APOLLO 8, PLANE CRASH, NASA, MOON

New York, NY – William Anders, the Apollo 8 astronaut who took the iconic “Earthrise” photograph, has died in a plane crash, NASA announced on Friday. He was 89.

Anders was piloting a Cessna 172 when it crashed into a field in rural Nebraska on Friday afternoon. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Anders was a member of the Apollo 8 crew, which in 1968 became the first humans to orbit the moon. During the mission, Anders took the iconic “Earthrise” photograph, which showed the Earth rising over the lunar horizon. The photograph is considered one of the most important images in human history and has been credited with inspiring the environmental movement.

After the Apollo 8 mission, Anders served as NASA’s deputy administrator from 1968 to 1973. He later worked as a consultant for the aerospace industry and served on the boards of several companies.

Anders was a passionate advocate for space exploration and believed that it was essential for the future of humanity. In a 2018 interview with The New York Times, he said, “Space is the next frontier. It’s where we’re going to find the answers to some of the biggest questions about our existence.”

Anders’ death is a great loss to the space community and to all who believe in the power of exploration. He will be remembered as one of the pioneers of space travel and as the man who took the iconic “Earthrise” photograph.