A heroic astronaut who saved the doomed Apollo 13 lunar mission has died at the age of 97.

Jim Lovell helped to save the 1970 failed moon mission after an oxygen tank exploded.

The then 42-year-old was in command of the mission and aided in bringing the crew safely back to Earth.

GETTY

In a tribute to Lovell, Sean Duffy, the acting Nasa Administrator, said the famed astronaut's "life and work inspired millions of people across the decades."

He added: "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."

Duffy continued: "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."

GETTY

He finished: "Jim Lovell embodied the bold resolve and optimism of both past and future explorers, and we will remember him always."

Born in Ohio, Lovell graduated from the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland where he became a test pilot.

He then served as a flight instructor and safety officer until 1963 when he was selected by Nasa for a crewed space programme.

Throughout his career as an astronaut, Lovell went on four spaceflights: Gemini VII, Gemini XII, Apollo 8 and Apollo 13.

GETTY

As part of the Apollo 8 mission, the crew of Lovell, Frank Borman and William Anders, was the first to leave Earth's orbit and the first to fly to and circle the moon.

This was a key step in putting the US ahead of the Soviet Union in the space race.

The Apollo 13 mission which Lovell commanded was planned as the third lunar landing, however it was cut short when an oxygen tank in the Service Module exploded.

The spacecraft was severely damaged and the command module's life support and electrical systems were knocked out.

GETTY

In a Nasa interview, Lovell said: "The thought crossed our mind that we were in deep trouble. But we never dwelled on it."

Working closely alongside Mission Control, Lovell and his crew saved the mission by quickly adapting the lunar module into a lifeboat which splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near Samoa on April 17, 1970.

Duffy said: "As commander of the Apollo 13 his calm strength under pressure helped return the crew safely to Earth and demonstrated the quick thinking and innovation that informed future Nasa missions."

Lovell retired as an astronaut in 1973, and then worked first for a harbour towing company and then in telecommunications.

He was played in the acclaimed 1995 film "Apollo 13", inspired by Lovell's 1994 book "Lost Moon: The Perilous Voyage of Apollo 13", by Hollywood superstar Tom Hanks.

Lovell had four children with his wife, Marilyn, who died in 2023.