Original 7 Astronaut John Glenn Passes Away at 95
Sad to report that former NASA astronaut John Glenn, who became the first American to fly into orbit in 1962, has passed away in an Ohio hospital. He was 95 years old.
In addition to flying Friendship 7 in the Project Mercury, Glenn became the oldest person to travel into space when he joined the STS-95 space shuttle crew on a nearly 9-day orbital mission in 1998.
At the time of his second and final spaceflight, Glenn was a United States Senator from Ohio. He served in the Senate from December 1974 to January 1999.
Glenn was the last of NASA’s Original 7 astronauts to pass away. Scott Carpenter died in 2013 at the age of 88.
My deepest sympathies to his wife, Annie, and his family and friends.
President Barack Obama issued a statement today on Glenn’s passing.
Statement by the President on the Passing of John Glenn
When John Glenn blasted off from Cape Canaveral atop an Atlas rocket in 1962, he lifted the hopes of a nation. And when his Friendship 7 spacecraft splashed down a few hours later, the first American to orbit the Earth reminded us that with courage and a spirit of discovery there’s no limit to the heights we can reach together.
With John’s passing, our nation has lost an icon and Michelle and I have lost a friend. John spent his life breaking barriers, from defending our freedom as a decorated Marine Corps fighter pilot in World War II and Korea, to setting a transcontinental speed record, to becoming, at age 77, the oldest human to touch the stars. John always had the right stuff, inspiring generations of scientists, engineers and astronauts who will take us to Mars and beyond–not just to visit, but to stay.
Today, the people of Ohio remember a devoted public servant who represented his fellow Buckeyes in the U.S. Senate for a quarter century and who fought to keep America a leader in science and technology. Our thoughts are with his beloved wife Annie, their children John and Carolyn and the entire Glenn family. The last of America’s first astronauts has left us, but propelled by their example we know that our future here on Earth compels us to keep reaching for the heavens. On behalf of a grateful nation, Godspeed, John Glenn.
10 responses to “Original 7 Astronaut John Glenn Passes Away at 95”
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He was a great American, the last of the Mercury 7. An era has indeed ended.
Godspeed John Glenn, Ad Astra. Col. Glenn and his fellow Mercury 7 Astronauts were true American heroes. All the accomplishment of the US space program and that which we will realize in the future will stand on their broad shoulders. Thank you for raising your hand and taking on the dangerous and hard work of Star Traveler.
RIP John and condolences to the family.
And while he did great things with nasa, it was his work as a senator that made differences.
Although I never met him it was an honor to be named after him. MY birth in 1962 was delayed as was his flight. His flight generated lots of publicity and my mom said I am going to name the baby Glen. Yes with one N.
I was born on the 2nd of February and he launched later that month. In fact my cousin worked at Grumman and helped build the lunar module and eventually the shuttle wings that Glenn rode into space at age 77.
GOd speed John Glenn.
He lived a long great life, it was also nice he lived long enough to see Blue Origin name their future giant rocket after him.
RIP John Glenn. In these days when some are ready to call anyone who wears a uniform a “hero,” you and your fellow “Mercury 7” astronauts set the standard for stoic heroism. Your legacy continues in the men and women who wear astronaut wings.
One of the greatest heroes and pioneers of our time!
The actor Walter Brennan recorded a song to honor John Glenn’s epic flight in 1962. Here is a link to it.
https://www.youtube.com/wat…
Semper Fi & Godspeed, John Glenn. Is there anyone today with the Right Stuff you had?
Rest in peace among the stars.