Frank Borman

Frank Borman

Commander of the First Mission to Orbit the Moon

Frank Borman, a former astronaut and air force pilot, is best known for being the commander of the first mission to orbit the Moon. On December 24, 1968, Borman and his fellow crew members, James Lovell and William Anders, became the first humans to travel beyond Earth's orbit and see the far side of the Moon.

During their historic mission, known as Apollo 8, Borman and his crew captured the iconic "Earthrise" photograph, which showed the Earth rising above the lunar horizon. This image had a profound impact on Borman, who later reflected, "The Earth looked so lonely in the Universe. It's the only thing with color." This powerful observation highlighted the beauty and fragility of our planet.

Borman's contribution to space exploration and his role in the Apollo program paved the way for future missions to the Moon and beyond. His bravery and leadership continue to inspire generations of astronauts and space enthusiasts.