NASA announced yesterday that Frank Borman, the renowned astronaut who commanded two crucial early NASA missions, including the first-ever mission to orbit the moon, has passed away at the age of 95. According to a statement released by NASA, Borman passed away on November 7th in Billings, Montana, following a stroke. His death comes just a week after the passing of fellow Apollo astronaut Ken Mattingly.

Borman, known for his no-nonsense demeanor and unwavering commitment to the space race against the Soviet Union, was NASA's oldest living astronaut. His discipline and meticulous attention to detail were instrumental in his selection as an astronaut in 1962.

In 1965, Borman embarked on his first spaceflight aboard the Gemini 7, a demanding 14-day mission aimed at proving the feasibility of human survival in weightless conditions within the cramped two-person capsule. Rather than choosing an experienced astronaut, NASA entrusted Borman with the command of the mission, showcasing their confidence in his remarkable capabilities.

Bill Nelson, NASA administrator, paid tribute to Borman's accomplishments, stating, "In addition to his critical role as commander of the Apollo 8 mission, he is a veteran of Gemini 7, spending 14 days in low-Earth orbit and conducting the first rendezvous in space, coming within a few feet of the Gemini 6 spacecraft."

Following the tragic Apollo 1 launch pad fire in 1967, which claimed the lives of three astronauts, NASA appointed Borman to the investigation board responsible for determining the cause of the accident. Borman then led the team that successfully reengineered the Apollo capsule, ultimately enabling NASA to achieve the historic moon landing in 1969.

When it came time for the audacious Apollo 8 mission - the first time humans ventured beyond low-Earth orbit and journeyed to the moon, a quarter-million miles away - Borman was the clear choice for commander. Accompanied by Jim Lovell and Bill Anders, Borman and his crew arrived at the Moon's vicinity on Christmas Eve in 1968, circling it 10 times. The live TV broadcasts of the mission captivated the world's attention, showcasing the awe-inspiring lunar landscape and featuring a reading of the book of Genesis by the astronauts.

Reflecting on the mission, Borman expressed surprise at being more mesmerized by the view of Earth than the moon itself. He recalled, "The Earth was the only thing in the world in the universe that had any color. Everything else was black and white, but the Earth was beautiful blue and white and brownish continents. That was the most impressive sight for me of the entire flight."

A photograph taken during the mission, known as the earthrise photo, became iconic, depicting the Earth rising above the barren and gray surface of the moon.

In a 2018 interview with NPR, Borman revealed the immense pressure he felt as the mission's commander, emphasizing his determination not to allow any mistakes. "My major concern was that somehow the crew would screw up," he said. "I didn't want us to be the ones that... I wanted us to do everything perfectly."

Known for his perfectionist nature, Borman's exceptional career was rooted in his military background. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, embarked on an Air Force career, and eventually became a test pilot. Adhering strictly to checklists and rules was second nature to him.

For Borman, Apollo 8 represented a triumph amidst a tumultuous year in U.S. history, marked by political assassinations, racial tensions, and social unrest. He remarked, "The only telegram I remember out of all the thousands we got after Apollo 8 was, it said thank you Apollo 8, you saved 1968."

Robert Kurson, author of the book "Rocket Men" about Apollo 8, described Borman as the epitome of a military officer who prioritized the objective of outshining the Soviet Union. "To him, that's what it was all about," Kurson noted. "That space was the ultimate battlefield where really the future of war was to be waged. And he believed their mission was to beat the Soviets who were an existential threat to us at the time."

Following the Apollo 8 mission, Borman departed from NASA. Unlike some of his fellow astronauts, he expressed no regrets about not landing on the moon himself, as his primary focus was on contributing to the team effort that surpassed their Soviet rivals. Borman shared, "I could care less about walking on the moon... But I wanted to be part of the team that beat the Russians."

Borman did admit that being away from his family for extended periods was his greatest regret during his time at NASA, averaging 250 days of separation each year.

Subsequently, Borman joined Eastern Airlines and eventually ascended to the position of CEO. Throughout his life, he remained hopeful for future lunar missions and even the prospect of reaching Mars.

Frank Borman's contributions to space exploration and his unwavering dedication to NASA's mission have left an indelible mark on the history of space travel. As the world mourns his passing, his commitment to exploration and his belief in the potential of human spaceflight will continue to inspire future generations.