posted 12-08-2016 02:46 PM               

Godspeed, John Glenn: First American to orbit the Earth dies at 95

John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, died on Thursday (Dec. 8). He was 95.

The former astronaut and senator was being hospitalized at the Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, when he died. In 2014, Glenn suffered a minor stroke, affecting his vision, after undergoing heart-valve replacement surgery.

"We are saddened by the loss of Sen. John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth. A true American hero. Godspeed, John Glenn. Ad astra," NASA wrote on Twitter.

collectSPACE (Dec. 8, 2016)

John Glenn: From Mercury 'original' to 'American legend' in photos

When the space shuttle Discovery launched on Oct. 29, 1998, NASA announced that the crew included "six astronaut heroes and one American legend!" That legend was original Mercury astronaut John Glenn, who died on Dec. 8, 2016 at the age of 95.

collectSPACE (Dec. 9, 2016)

John Glenn memorialized with 'Godspeed' radio hail turned hashtag

The same phrase that hailed John Glenn's historic launch into space more than 50 years ago became a social media hashtag on Thursday (Dec. 8), marking the astronaut's final departure from Earth.

"#GodspeedJohnGlenn," read the tweets, status notes and photo captions as the news spread that Glenn had died at the age of 95.

posted 12-08-2016 02:46 PM               

NASA Remembers American Legend John Glenn

The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Charles Bolden on the passing of Sen. John Glenn:

"Today, the first American to orbit the Earth, NASA astronaut and Ohio Senator John Glenn, passed away. We mourn this tremendous loss for our nation and the world. As one of NASA's original Mercury 7 astronauts, Glenn's riveting flight aboard Friendship 7 on Feb. 20, 1962, united our nation, launched America to the forefront of the space race, and secured for him a unique place in the annals of history.

"While that first orbit was the experience of a lifetime, Glenn, who also had flown combat missions in both World War II and the Korean War as a Marine aviator, continued to serve his country as a four-term Senator from Ohio, as a trusted statesman, and an educator. In 1998, at the age of 77, he became the oldest human to venture into space as a crew member on the Discovery space shuttle -- once again advancing our understanding of living and working in space.

"He earned many honors for both his military and public service achievements. In 2012, President Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor the country can bestow, and he also received the Congressional Gold Medal.

"Glenn's extraordinary courage, intellect, patriotism and humanity were the hallmarks of a life of greatness. His missions have helped make possible everything our space program has since achieved and the human missions to an asteroid and Mars that we are striving toward now.

"With all his accomplishments, he was always focused on the young people of today, who would soon lead the world. 'The most important thing we can do is inspire young minds and advance the kind of science, math and technology education that will help youngsters take us to the next phase of space travel,' he said. 'To me, there is no greater calling … If I can inspire young people to dedicate themselves to the good of mankind, I've accomplished something.'

"Senator Glenn's legacy is one of risk and accomplishment, of history created and duty to country carried out under great pressure with the whole world watching. The entire NASA Family will be forever grateful for his outstanding service, commitment and friendship. Personally, I shall miss him greatly. As a fellow Marine and aviator, he was a mentor, role model and, most importantly, a dear friend. My prayers go out to his lovely and devoted wife, Annie, and the entire Glenn family at this time of their great loss."

For more information about Glenn's NASA career, and his agency biography, see here.

posted 12-08-2016 02:46 PM               

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.