Elon Musk and other fans pay tribute to legendary astronaut John Glenn
If you love space exploration, chances are you were inspired by John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth.
Many of his fans — including SpaceX founder Elon Musk and famed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson — paid tribute to the astronaut and former U.S. senator after he died Thursday in Ohio at age 95.
A life well lived https://t.co/NZcRZUDroH
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 8, 2016
Aren’t many Heroes left: WWII & Korean War Fighter Pilot. Marine Colonel. NASA Astronaut. Senator. Married 73 yrs. John Glenn RIP 1921-2016
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) December 8, 2016
Glenn was the last survivor of America's first group of astronauts, known as The Mercury 7.
SEE ALSO: John Glenn, all-American badass astronaut, dies at 95
In addition to Glenn's groundbreaking accomplishments as an astronaut, the American hero also served as a marine fighter pilot during World War II and the Korean War.
Statement by the President on the Passing of John Glenn pic.twitter.com/i1pnmke0oX
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) December 8, 2016
Today we lost a great pioneer of air and space in John Glenn. He was a hero and inspired generations of future explorers. He will be missed.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 8, 2016
In wake of his death, fellow astronauts who had the pleasure of knowing Glenn, along with many others who saw him as an inspiration, offered their praise and condolences on Twitter.
We are saddened by the loss of Sen. John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth. A true American hero. Godspeed, John Glenn. Ad astra. pic.twitter.com/89idi9r1NB
— NASA (@NASA) December 8, 2016
Godspeed, John Glenn 🚀https://t.co/kuNsY7T9l9
— Capt. Mike Foreman (@foreman_mike) December 8, 2016
Sad news, the true American hero has passed, I am honored to have known him, thinking of his family - thank you for sharing him with us https://t.co/xFhVmcNEHa
— Mike Massimino (@Astro_Mike) December 8, 2016
As a decorated Marine and all-around badass, Glenn flew 59 combat missions in the South Pacific during World War II and 90 during the Korean War.
According to Life magazine in 1962, Glenn apparently returned from a mission in Korea with 375 holes (!) in his plane. He escaped without serious injury, and his impressed crew members called the aircraft "the flying doily" — very creative.
RIP John Glenn. You will always been an inspiration to those of us who dream about exploring the unknown.
— Dave Hogg 📎 (@Stareagle) December 8, 2016
John Glenn, one of the truly great explorers passed into the great unknown. May his spirit, whose restlessness expanded our horizons, RIP.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) December 8, 2016
Godspeed, John Glenn pic.twitter.com/LBopQ6FmyJ
— Dave Malkoff (@malkoff) December 8, 2016
A great American, a life of service, an inspiration to us all. Goodbye, John Glenn. Godspeed. pic.twitter.com/duCA8qPYER
— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) December 8, 2016
Glenn began his career in politics when he was elected a representative of Ohio in the U.S. Senate in 1974. He served as a senator for four six-year terms before making history again in 1998
He is most famous for being the first American to orbit the Earth back on Feb. 20, 1962, but his epic career in space didn't stop there. Though retired as an astronaut in 1964, in 1998 he returned to NASA and became the oldest man to travel to space at age 77.
Sad to hear the news. RIP John Glenn, you are a true American hero.
— Michael L-A (@CommanderMLA) December 8, 2016
Sad to hear about the passing of astronaut John Glenn. I actually got to meet him when I was to NASA Camp... yep. I went to that.
— Michelle Rodriguez (@michrod) December 8, 2016
Godspeed, John Glenn. Honored to have watched his return-to-space launch at Cape Canaveral 18 years ago. He was 77 at the time. https://t.co/3lW801hYat
— Jared Pliner (@JaredPliner) December 8, 2016
When I worked as an intern on Capitol Hill in college, I broke protocol to say hello and thank John Glenn. He was gracious and kind. RIP.
— Will Smith (@willsmith) December 8, 2016
Seriously, John Glenn's story is like a greatest hits of 20th Century America. What an incredible life: https://t.co/FTFnGPVMtM
— Jason Noble (@jasonnobleDMR) December 8, 2016
RIP John Glenn. A hero of mine and so many.
— Ryan Wichman (@Ryan_Wichman) December 8, 2016