William Anders
- Born:
- October 17, 1933, Hong Kong
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Astronaut, Electrical Engineer, United States Air Force Officer, Businessman
Early Life and Education
- Born in Hong Kong to United States Navy Lieutenant Commander Arthur F. Anders and Muriel Adams Anders.
- Spent his early childhood moving between U.S. naval bases in China and the United States.
- Graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
- Earned a Master of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in 1962.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force.
- Selected as a NASA astronaut in 1963.
- Served as the Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 8, the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon in December 1968.
- Took the iconic "Earthrise" photograph during the Apollo 8 mission.
- Served as Executive Secretary of the National Aeronautics and Space Council (1969-1973).
- Appointed as a member of the Atomic Energy Commission (1973-1975).
- Served as U.S. Ambassador to Norway (1976-1977).
- Held executive positions in General Electric and Textron.
- Chairman and CEO of General Dynamics (1991-1993).
Notable Works
- Apollo 8 mission, Lunar Module Pilot
- "Earthrise" photograph
Legacy and Impact
William Anders is celebrated for his role in the Apollo 8 mission, a pivotal moment in the space race and human exploration. His "Earthrise" photograph had a profound impact on environmental awareness and the perception of Earth's place in the universe. His contributions extend beyond space exploration to government service and corporate leadership. The 'sofie larsson biography of william' you're reading highlights these accomplishments.