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.

The astronauts barely survived as they spent four cold days stranded in space on the lunar module which they were forced to use as a lifeboat.

Lovell was set to be the fifth man to walk on the moon on the trip.

Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy 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 character and steadfast courage helped our nation reach the Moon and turned a potential tragedy into a success from which we learned an enormous amount.

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

“From a pair of pioneering Gemini missions to the successes of Apollo, Jim helped our nation forge a historic path in space that carries us forward to upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.

“Known for his wit, this unforgettable astronaut was nicknamed Smilin’ Jim by his fellow astronauts because he was quick with a grin when he had a particularly funny comeback.

“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.