Remembering Apollo Astronaut Thomas K. Mattingly II: A Hero's Farewell
Thomas K. Mattingly II, a retired United States Navy Rear Admiral and distinguished NASA astronaut, has passed away at the age of 87. Mattingly, known as TK, made significant contributions to the U.S. space program, particularly in the Apollo missions. He played a crucial role in the safe return of the Apollo 13 astronauts and served as the command module pilot for Apollo 16. Mattingly's legacy extends beyond his technical achievements, as he eloquently shared his awe of the cosmos and inspired future generations of explorers.