BILLINGS, MONTANA: Astronaut Frank Borman, a key figure in NASA's illustrious history, has died at the age of 95 in Billings, Montana. Best known for commanding Apollo 8, the first mission to orbit the moon, Borman left an indelible mark on space exploration and aviation, as per Daily Mail.

Frank Borman led the first Apollo mission to the moon

Launching from Florida's Cape Canaveral on December 21, 1968, Borman, alongside fellow astronauts James Lovell and William Anders, carved their names in history as the first humans to journey to the moon. Their spacecraft slipped into lunar orbit on Christmas Eve, circling the moon ten times before heading back to Earth on December 27.

On that historic Christmas Eve, millions tuned in as the Apollo 8 crew read from the Book of Genesis in a live telecast, emphasizing the profound impact of their mission on humanity's collective consciousness.

Borman's closing words, "And from the crew of Apollo 8, we close with good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you - all of you on the good Earth," resonated across the globe.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson paid tribute to Borman in wake of his passing, stating, "Today we remember one of NASA's best. Astronaut Frank Borman was a true American hero. His lifelong love for aviation and exploration was only surpassed by his love for his wife Susan."

Frank Borman's fascination with aviation began in his teenage years

Borman's journey from a teenage fascination with flying to becoming one of NASA's original nine test pilots is a testament to his lifelong commitment to exploration. Born in Gary, Indiana, and raised in Tucson, Arizona, he attended the US Military Academy at West Point, earning a bachelor of science degree in 1950.

His aviation career took off from there, encompassing roles as an Air Force fighter pilot, operational pilot, and instructor at West Point.

In 1962, Borman's life took a cosmic turn when he was selected as one of nine test pilots for NASA's astronaut program. His achievements included the iconic 'Earthrise' photo, captured by Anders during Apollo 8's fourth orbit.

Reflecting on the experience, Borman wrote, "We were the first humans to see the world in its majestic totality, an intensely emotional experience for each of us."

Frank Borman took the reins of Eastern Airlines after leaving NASA

After leaving NASA, Borman ventured into the business world, taking the reins of Eastern Airlines in 1970. His tenure as president, CEO, and chairman saw the airline grapple with rising fuel prices, industry deregulation, and internal strife. Despite the challenges, Borman's legacy endures as a pioneer in both aviation and space exploration.

In 1998, Borman embarked on a new chapter, starting a cattle ranch in Bighorn, Montana, with his son, Fred. Survived by his sons, Fred and Edwin, and their families, Borman's impact on the aerospace industry and his contributions to the Apollo program will forever be etched in the annals of space history.