Lovell commanded the mission that almost ended in disaster after an explosion that threatened the crew's oxygen and electrical supply. The inspiring story of their survival was made into a hit movie.

He led the three-man crew that survived a near catastrophic explosion in space in 1970, and was later immortalized by Tom Hanks in the movie “Apollo 13.”

Tom Hanks honored astronaut Jim Lovell, whom he portrayed in "Apollo 13," with a touching tribute celebrating the space pioneer’s bravery and extraordinary life.