Apollo 13 Hero and Astronaut Ken Mattingly Dies at 87
Thomas K. Mattingly, the astronaut known for his crucial role in guiding the Apollo 13 mission back to Earth after a near-disastrous explosion, has passed away at the age of 87. Mattingly, a Navy pilot turned NASA astronaut, also served as the command module pilot for Apollo 16 and was the commander of the final test flight of the space shuttle Columbia. His contributions to space exploration and his bravery in the face of the unknown will be remembered as part of his lasting legacy.