William Anders

William Anders is a retired United States Air Force Major General, former NASA astronaut, and executive. He is best known for his role as the Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 8, the first manned spacecraft to orbit the Moon. His contributions to space exploration and his distinguished military service have left an indelible mark on history.

ABOUT

William Alison Anders was born on October 17, 1933, in Hong Kong, to U.S. Navy Lt. Arthur Frederick Anders and Muriel Adams Anders. He was part of the historic Apollo 8 mission alongside Frank Borman and James Lovell. This mission marked the first time humans left Earth's orbit, orbited the Moon, and safely returned—an essential milestone leading to the eventual Moon landing in 1969.

BEFORE FAME

Anders' illustrious career began with his education at the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1955. He then continued his studies at the Air Force Institute of Technology, receiving a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering in 1962. Before joining NASA, Anders served as a pilot with over 8,000 flying hours and specialized in nuclear reactors and radiation shielding for aerospace vehicles.

TRIVIA

• The iconic "Earthrise" photograph, which captures Earth rising above the Moon's horizon, was taken by Anders during the Apollo 8 mission.
• Anders left NASA in 1969 and later served as Executive Secretary of the National Aeronautics and Space Council (1969–1973) and as U.S. Ambassador to Norway (1976–1977).
• He worked for General Electric and Textron, and from 1990 to 1993, he was the Chairman and CEO of General Dynamics.

FAMILY LIFE

William Anders married Valerie Ann Hoard in 1955. The couple has six children together. His family life has been marked by a supportive partnership that saw him through his demanding career in the Air Force and NASA, as well as his roles in various executive positions after retiring from active duty.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Anders played a critical role in Apollo 8 alongside Frank Borman and James Lovell. His pioneering spirit and technical expertise left a legacy that paved the way for future space exploration achievements. Anders, Borman, and Lovell became celebrated figures both within NASA and in the broader public conscience for their landmark mission.