Thomas K. Mattingly, a NASA astronaut who helped guide Apollo 13 back to Earth after the spacecraft was damaged in space, died on October 31 at the age of 87.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced Mattingly’s death on Thursday, describing Mattingly as a hero and praising the astronaut’s long aeronautic career, which saw him play a pivotal role in several Apollo missions.

“We lost one of our country’s heroes on Oct. 31. NASA astronaut TK Mattingly was key to the success of our Apollo Program, and his shining personality will ensure he is remembered throughout history,” Nelson said.

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In 1966, NASA chose Mattingly to be part of that year’s astronaut class after which he started working as part of the astronaut support crew and in the development of the Apollo spacesuit and backpack.

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