Iconic Earthrise photo astronaut William Anders dies in small plane crash
- Former astronaut William Anders, known for taking the iconic Earthrise photo, died in a small plane crash.
- The plane he was piloting crashed into the waters off the San Juan Islands in Washington state.
- Anders was a retired astronaut and a member of the Apollo 8 crew.
Former Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders, known for the iconic "Earthrise" photo, tragically died in a plane crash in Washington state at the age of 90. His son confirmed the news, expressing the family's devastation. Anders' Earthrise photo, taken in 1968, was a groundbreaking image that changed how humans viewed the planet. The Apollo 8 mission marked the first human spaceflight to the moon and back, with Anders playing a significant role. Despite the risks involved, Anders believed in the importance of the mission for national and exploration reasons. His legacy continues to inspire astronauts and explorers. Anders, a retired major general, also served as backup crew for Apollo 11 and Gemini XI. He and his wife resided in Orcas Island and San Diego. The plane crash, involving a vintage Air Force T-34 Mentor, is under investigation by the NTSB and FAA. The aviation community mourns the loss of a pioneering astronaut and skilled pilot.