Flight Jacket Night Lecture with Jim Lovell

Captain James A. “Jim” Lovell, Jr shared stories from his career as a naval aviator, test pilot, and NASA astronaut at the 2014 Vice Adm. Donald D. Engen Flight Jacket Night Lecture. Broadcast live on Friday, October 17, 2014, the event was a part of the National Air and Space Society Lecture Series.
During his Naval career, Jim Lovell had numerous aviator assignments, including a 4-year tour as a test pilot at the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Maryland. He has logged more than 7,000 hours flying time--more than 3,500 hours in jet aircraft. Lovell was selected as an Astronaut by NASA in September 1962. He served as backup pilot for Gemini 4, backup Commander for Gemini 9, and backup Commander to Neil Armstrong for the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission. On December 4, 1965, he and Frank Borman flew on the Gemini 7 mission which lasted 330 hours and 35 minutes and included the first rendezvous of two manned maneuverable spacecraft. Lovell also commanded Gemini 12 with Pilot Edwin Aldrin which launched on November 11, 1966. Lovell was Command Module Pilot and Navigator on Apollo 8, the first human spaceflight to the moon, in December 1968. Lovell was the Commander of Apollo 13 and became the first man to journey twice to the moon. Lovell held the record for time in space with a total of 715 hours and 5 minutes until surpassed by the Skylab flights.
View related objects in the Museum's collection: airandspace.si.edu/collections...
Watch more recorded lectures and view upcoming live programs from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum: airandspace.si.edu/webcasts/

[@richardkirk5098]

I was blessed to paint Captain Lovell,s portrait. I have a letter from him thanking me which I cherish and have framed up on my wall. A real American hero.

[@hikesystem7721]

I've always wanted to paint Captain Lovell's portrait. Did he sit for you, or did you work from a photo available to the public?

[@chrismurray6490]

I met the guy in person back in '08. He is indeed the class-act ROCK STAR that I thought he would be. They say you should never meet your idols in person because it would be a let down. Captain Lovell is the exception to that rule!

[@EchoesDistant]

Just need to pick a good idol. 99% of the time you can't go wrong with an astronaut.

[@Tsumami__]

Chris Murray He seems like such a sweetheart in addition to being brilliant

[@zakiranderson722]

Your comment wells me up😥

[@lindar.2397]

Not enough people appreciate this man. I’m glad to say I’m not one of those who don’t. Great man!!

[@yvofils5739]

I listen to this man on a weekly basis. Not comparing him with other astronauts but safe to say he is No.1 to me!

[@homebuiltindoorplane]

Jim's 88 years old now (2016) and a true american hero. This brought tears to my eyes, what fantastic men, never to be seen again.

[@charliebowman785]

Indeed !!!!!

[@GetOuttaLineRecords]

94 in a few weeks… along with Borman

[@Tsumami__]

He’s so damn sharp at his age. It’s awesome. His mind is sharper in older age than most of ours are in our youth.

[@jfcc9086com]

93 in March. : D

[@brigittegilroy2882]

@@jfcc9086com aaAA

[@buckshot704]

Extraordinary presentation. This video ought to be a mandatory part of any serious leadership training syllabus. Articulate, intelligent, professional, Captain Lovell illustrates these qualities, and more, phenomenally well. Thank you, sir.

[@pedrodiaz5540]

I’m watching this on February-26-2022, I’m a retired airline pilot and I have to say Capt. Lovell is an inspiration. Thank you Captain.

[@jfcc9086com]

Capt. Lovell is such a speaker. 93 in March 21. His night flight, no lights. Finding algea trail on the horizon for guidance. Crash lands. Gets a drink from the CO. Brilliant story. Says a lot about him. New scifi tribute. Lovell City.

[@michaelrunyan6591]

Of the 5 people I admire most, Jim Lovell is in that group. He is a spectacularly good role model. I am so happy that he survived Apollo 13 so the world could enjoy his presence for all of these extra years.

[@lwblack64]

Normal human beings becoming extraordinary individuals. Hats off for Captain Lovell's hard work and contributions to mankind...

[@jeffnettleton3858]

Returning from space, plummeting through the atmosphere, where meteors burn up, and it's "Not a bad ride." I salute you sir!

[@P5ychoFox]

A true legend. I want him to be around forever.

[@rwmedinburgh9623]

Jim is an absolute inspiration, would be a great guy to work with

[@deanmcbeth4140]

Jim Lovell is a life inspiration . He is a living testament to the belief that you can overcome any challenge and be anything you want to be in life provided you are prepared to be positive, brave and not adverse to hard work!

[@jamesbyrne9312]

He is and I think frank and jack were helpful to this. It was a team effort.

[@arakort8005]

They dont make men like him today, old school and Definitly made of thr right stuff. He is one of the best, just wish I could meet him.

[@kennethhoffman8845]

Favorite astronaut! Always has been! Great man, great American.

[@ianwilds3139]

a genuine phantom patriot

[@mindeloman]

Back in the 80's the name Lovell wasn't quite the household name as it is today (apollo 13 movie). My grandmother lived in the same phone area code as Jim Lovell. Her phone rang one day and she answered it. The voice on the line said, "yes, this is jim lovell calling for so and so. She told him he had the wrong number and he apologised. Then she asked, "is this Jim Lovell the astronaut?" he replied in the affirmative. They had about a 15 minute conversation after that. I'm sure he had important things to do but, he's a kind man.

[@AllisterCaine]

Imagine calling the wrong number and after 15 minutes of talk the other side says something along the lines of thank you for calling me. 😁

[@Doones51]

what a classy individual Jim Lovell is an amazing human being

[@joestimemachine6454]

Astronauts like Jim can teach us more than space and engineering; they can teach us how to be better people.

[@Ch1n4Sailor]

Jim Lovell -- What a Great Human Being, All Class, All Heart, Selfless, Humble, A True American Hero, A Navy Man!

[@Johnny7051MC]

Jim Lovell has always been one of my favorite Astronauts. With two Gemini flights and two Apollo flights, he was one of the most accomplished Astronauts in the Corps. Also one of the best navigators in Aviation & Aeronautical history. I also believe the second NASA class, the "New Nine" which consisted of Lovell, was the best group put together by NASA. Another favorite from that group was John Young, with two Gemini, two Apollo, and two STS flights, making him one of the most well rounded Astronauts in history. Ed White, Tom Stafford, Pete Conrad, Frank Borman, Elliot See, Jim McDivitt, and the one and only Neil Armstrong, what a class they were!!

[@CesarLopez-nd8le]

Commander Jim Lovell is a hero and also his crew on that faithful voyage and n it was called a failure but in the end a great success

[@SimplyTakuma]

He is 92 now, what a great man

[@danmaltby3271]

Jim is wearing the coolest tie

[@TomOostenrijk]

Dude, I would have shouted, roared, whistled when that man comes on stage. For a country blessed to be in his vicinity, you sure give him a lukewarm welcome. #teamspace

[@morgandude2]

I am in tears of joy watching this.

[@randybailin4902]

My late father was associated with the Apollo program as a meteorologist. I had the chance to shake Captain Lovell's hand in 1971. In the eyes of a 10-year old, he seemed like he was about 10 feet tall and a superhero.

[@f15pilott]

I really enjoyed this presentation from someone who's really been there and done that. Thank you, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum for posting this. I've always enjoyed reading about the space program of the 50's-70's, so it's a treat to hear first hand accounts. Thanks for a great presentation, Captain Lovell. I tip my hat to you, sir.

[@ARichardP]

What a life he has lived!

[@DaveyWest1968]

commander Lovell's nickname given by Pete Conrad of Apollo 12s fame was "Shakey"....they were stationed at PAX river together ...Conrad was quite the character ...thanks Sir for your contribution to America's Glory

[@nigelbrazier8585]

The BBC World Service has a fantastic series called '13 minutes to the Moon' featuring both Apollo 11 and 13 missions. It goes into minute detail breaking down the missions and talking to the people involved, including Jim Lovell interviewed in 2020. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know more.

[@Freemich1]

My left ear feels really lonely. But thanks for the video!

[@dks13827]

What a wonderful presentation. I was 18 during Apollo 11 and I modeled my life after those men of Apollo. I also often look up at the moon, and ask, when will we be going back ? I am not optimistic about the future of space flight.

[@raymondeaton5692]

+dks13827 We're too busy buying votes with welfare. No $ for space. Gotta love Jim Lovell!

[@MrxFivexAlive]

+dks13827 We will be going back and even farther one day. My favourite space company right now (SpaceX) is working on a Falcon Heavy with Dragon V2. Falcon Heavy can get I'd say 5 men to the Moon and 7 Men into Low Earth Orbit.

[@f18fixer]

What a great night, I wish I could have been there...we named our son after Jim Lovell

[@manpochver]

An incredible man, so nice, brave and smiling.

[@jamesneilsongrahamloveinth1301]

No, I don't think Jim Lovell is a liar, actor, whatever you like to call it. And nor are the other Apollo astronauts, and nor are the families of the astronauts, and nor are the capcoms, and nor are the flight directors, and nor are the subcontractors, and nor are the astronauts' geology instructors, and nor are the scientists around the world who have spoken about Apollo . . . none of these people are liars. Their testimony (available on KZbin) is honourable.

[@pleasepermitmetospeakohgre1504]

James Neilson Graham Depends where you look I suppose.

[@charliebowman785]

Captain Lovell my Family and I we really have a very strong appreciation for you.

[@gasgaslex_photos]

Jim really deserved to walk on the moon, such an inspirational man.

[@EchoesDistant]

Jim Lovell: Hero.

[@CCCPMetalWarrior]

My HERO!!

[@oc999567834]

Better than the movie! Gonna watch it now

[@toomanyuserids]

I met him some years ago, well past his F4B and NASA days, sometime after the movie came out...he was flying around in a Beech Baron IIRC at that time. A gentleman.

[@USSLKA-116]

Great man!

[@kevinreffitt9635]

Lovell and the Crew of Apollo 13 proved survival is the best success!

[@Maverick25ish]

What a guy, and hes always smiling too

[@CyberScifi]

The museum or those involved need to have portable microphones they could pass around into the crowd. Would make for a better event. I'm not sure why I see events like this without them but it is an oversight....

[@WH-um2gx]

Wonderfully informative and entertaining. Just one thing on the Space Race. It was the USA and the USSR not the USA and Russia. That is an important distinction since so many of the people in the USSR's space program were not Russians.

[@greghvazda2946]

You are quite correct in pointing out that the USSR and Russia are different! Im a military aviation historian and constantly make that point! Its sad that so many people seem incapable of comprehending the difference

[@davidbradshaw3107]

The best of the best.

[@hikesystem7721]

Lovell is an amazing man, an explorere, groundbreaker, one of the 3 men who were the very first to travel to the moon... an American hero. I hope that someone close to his greatness walks him to the launch pad of Artemis 2 on launch day. 41:18

[@allin4395]

What a guy

[@christiankirkwood3402]

Sharp as a tack. Apollo 8 was the defining flight of the program and as historically a landmark mission as was ever sent up. To hear what Bill Anders said about going around the dark side of the moon for the first time, the reading from the Book of Genesis, the Earthrise photo on the 8th orbit, mapping out future landing site's... Superlatives csnt define that flight and to have been able to fly even that one mission, let alone Gemini 7, 12 & the triumph of Apollo 13... what a remarkable life achievement. Ever pondered the thought of what would've become of Apollo 13 if the explosion had of occured AFTER undocking for descent? The more you listen to him, the more you realise this is a life based on extraordinary fate. What an absolutely compelling individual and what a treasure to all mankind :)

[@michaeldavis1609]

Without being crude he had balls of steel what a man

[@deanmcbeth4140]

Terrible mistake in intro here .. Lovell’s first Apollo mission was Apollo 8!!

[@bimoariefputro]

i proably 21 years late, but damn, tom hanks' voice is nailed.

[@crystalheart9]

Mr. Lovell is so personable and interesting. Tells a great story and keeps it so interesting. I really enjoyed this talk.

[@MrDoneboy]

God Bless Jim Lovell!

[@pleasepermitmetospeakohgre1504]

He never went to the moon.

[@MrDoneboy]

@@pleasepermitmetospeakohgre1504 Correction...He never MADE it to the Moon.

[@tonyceci8237]

True American hero

[@cedarshoals529]

Standing in for Tom Hanks....Im still laughing!

[@richardcook6284]

I remember Gemini 7.

[@michaeldavis1609]

He is the epitome of astronaut

[@SWalker71]

The Q and A was very frustrating not only with the sound but the questions.

[@RonJohn63]

The Lovell bio starts at 3:20, and the lecture starts at 5:20.

[@michaeldavis1609]

Navy pilot the toughest form of aviation plus test pilot he did both

[@numeralxvi]

After what he and his crew went through on Apollo 13, Jim Lovell is allowed to stand up there on stage and talk all evening about the kind of mustard he likes on his roast beef sandwiches.

[@salland12]

I find it ridiculous they didn't offer the man a chair.

[@EchoesDistant]

I am sure if we wanted a chair, he would have had one. Those things are covered long before these events take place.

[@AllisterCaine]

@@salland12 he is a military aviator and did give briefings standing up all his life, he would never sit down to give a talk.

[@IkeThe9th]

Correction to Lovell’s Bio: 3:54 Jim Lovell was Command Module Pilot on Apollo 8, not Apollo 11. (Edit: However the video description is accurate, sorry). Still, do not touch a hair on that fantastic scriptwriter.

[@daffidavit]

The following question may have been asked and answered many times, but I've never seen it. Question: Why didn't the astronauts in Apollo 13 ever put on their space suits (all three had them, even the Command Pilot) for at least as long as the warm temps were available? Maybe they did, but I've never heard that they did. Wouldn't at least the space suits have given them the warmth they needed for even a short time they were freezing their butts off? I would like to know. I read "Rocket Men" by Craig Nelson many times, but the book never mentioned this.

[@adventureairinc7355]

As far as I know, they at least have worn their boots from the space suit to keep warm. I heard an interview with Lovell where he said that and that Swigert unfortunately did not have these boots. Maybe they haven´t worn their whole suits as there are too bulky for three men in a LM which was only designed for two.

[@pleasepermitmetospeakohgre1504]

daffidavit There are many things that don't add up with these apollo missions, it's an interesting subject.

[@thudor1]

Jim Lovell is a steely-eyed missile man whose leadership inspired the world during that harrowing week in April of 1970.

[@Robbo1966]

true american hero!

[@michaeldavis1609]

Lovel borman and anders blasted the way to the moon

[@evanfinch4987]

On Wisconsin!

[@skye1212]

Lovell/Young/Cernan-only 3 to go to the moon twice.

[@peterdignum2647]

Ooops Apollo 8 buddy not 11

[@willridgway2513]

19 Soviets are still mad they lost :)

[@markyounger1240]

What a blunder. The introduction said Apollo 11. Should have been Apollo 8

[@ivandelabanque1806]

They never set foot on the moon, Didn't leave earth atmosphere..

[@scottt7586]

Man never stepped foot on the moon. Ever.

[@steverodgers8425]

Is that why you materialized on this channel to inform us it was fake? You are an idiot Go start your wretched dumpster fire elsewhere.

[@scottt7586]

Steve Rodgers No thanks. I got to stay here and watch criminals like you steal from the American public.

[@steverodgers8425]

@@scottt7586 I pay my taxes dumbass. You believe a cab driver LOL. I prefer the testimony of these giants, documentation and data. I bet you're a snowglober too

[@scottt7586]

Steve Rodgers I’m guessing you’re not a scientist but I consider asking you a question.

[@pastorpidgeon5980]

So you believe the moon landings were faked, but you're too stupid to know who Jim Lovell was, and you've accidentally said something true.

[@boobayloo]

lier

[@Dee-Jay]

troll

[@MrBarrynicholas]

What a shame all the lies for all the years !

[@jamesneilsongrahamloveinth1301]

Many of those involved in the Apollo programme have spoken about their work and their experiences. The astronauts, the capcoms, the flight directors and the Mission Control guys - but there were also the sub-contractors (such as Tom Kelly of the Grumman Aircraft Company who designed and built the Lunar Module) and the astronauts' families. All of this authentic stuff can be found on video on KZbin. It is hard to imagine that so many people would compromise their integrity by faking it. But let us suppose, for the sake of argument, that you are right. Then how did they do it? Was there an acting department at NASA, training these people up? Or perhaps NASA was really an acting school masquerading as a space exploration organisation . . . ? Do tell us.

[@pleasepermitmetospeakohgre1504]

James Neilson Graham There's a simple answer to that, they weren't in on it. It wasn't the production of machinery that was faked it was the actual landings. Only the crew were privy to that information and they were sworn to secrecy if you catch my drift, so couldn't really do anything about it. Neil quit nasa shortly after as he wanted to distance himself from it but it turned him into a nervous wreck who would shun public appearances.

[@wayneduncan6383]

Please permit me to speak oh great one Please share some of what you are smoking with the rest of the class. Here is a talk by a great American hero and you just have to try to tear him down. Pathetic.

[@MrBarrynicholas]

Wayne Duncan I’ll tell you what is pathetic. It’s all the gullible people thinking we went to the moon. If you think an American ‘hero’ is someone telling a pack of lies, shame on you.

[@wayneduncan6383]

barry nicholas Dude, step back from the crack pipe.