SPACE veteran and heroic Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell has died at the age of 97.

Jim passed away on August 7, in Lake Forest, Illinois with NASA leading tributes for the “unforgettable astronaut”.

The proud American was one of NASA’s most traveled astronauts as he went to space a remarkable four times.

He was on board Gemini 7, Gemini 12, Apollo 8 and the infamous Apollo 13.

Jim was hailed a hero after he managed to prevent certain tragedy after disaster struck the three-man space crew during Apollo 13’s journey.

In April 1970, the spacecraft’s service module experienced a sudden oxygen tank explosion on its way to the moon.

Jim and fellow astronauts Jack Swigert and Fred Haise were plunged into darkness after the blast as the world watched on in horror.

The astronauts barely survived as they spent four cold days stranded 200,000 miles from Earth.

In a tense series of events, the astronauts’ only choice was to squeeze into a lunar lander and undertake the challenging voyage back to Earth, with guidance from mission controllers.

Captain Lovell was just 42 years old at the time and the world’s most-travelled astronaut.

The journey was meant to mark Lovell as the fifth man to walk on the moon.

His death was announced by NASA on Friday.

They said: “We are saddened by the passing of Jim Lovell, commander of Apollo 13 and a four-time spaceflight veteran.

“Lovell’s life and work inspired millions. His courage under pressure helped forge our path to the Moon and beyond – a journey that continues today.

Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy also paid a touching tribute to Jim.

He said: “NASA sends its condolences to the family of Capt. Jim Lovell, whose life and work inspired millions of people across the decades.

“Jim’s unwavering character and bravery enabled our nation to reach the Moon and turned what could’ve been a disaster into a triumph from which we learned immensely.

“We mourn his passing even as we celebrate his achievements.

“From his role in groundbreaking Gemini missions to the achievements of Apollo, Jim helped carve a historic course in space exploration that propels us toward future Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.

“Renowned for his humor, this unforgettable astronaut earned the nickname Smilin’ Jim from his peers because he was always ready with a smile and a clever retort.

“Jim also served our country in the military, and the Navy has lost a proud academy graduate and test pilot.

“Jim Lovell embodied the bold resolve and optimism of both past and future explorers, and we will remember him always.”

Jim’s wife, Marilynn, died in 2023.

The couple are now survived by their four children.