Pioneer US astronaut dies aged 87

Washington: US astronaut John Young, who flew to the moon twice and commanded the first ever space shuttle mission, has died aged 87, Nasa said, reports BBC

“Today, Nasa and the world have lost a pioneer,” agency chief Robert Lightfoot said in a statement.

Young was the only person to have flown missions on the Gemini, Apollo and space shuttle programmes.

He also once famously smuggled a corned beef sandwich on to a space flight as a gift for a fellow astronaut.

Young retired in 2004 after a 42-year career. Nasa said he died on Friday following complications from pneumonia.

“John was one of that group of early space pioneers whose bravery and commitment sparked our nation’s first great achievements in space,” Mr Lightfoot said.

 

Pioneer US astronaut dies aged 87

Washington: US astronaut John Young, who flew to the moon twice and commanded the first ever space shuttle mission, has died aged 87, Nasa said, reports BBC Today, Nasa and the world have lost a pioneer, agency chief Robert Lightfoot said in a statement. Young was the only person to have flown missions on the Gemini, Apollo and space shuttle programmes. He also once famously smuggled a corned beef sandwich on to a space flight as a gift for a fellow astronaut. Young retired in 2004 after a 42-year career. Nasa said he died on Friday following complications from pneumonia. John was one of that group of early space pioneers whose bravery and commitment sparked our nations first great achievements in space, Mr Lightfoot said.