Astronaut John Young, Who Flew In Space 6 Times, Dies At 87

Saddened for the loss of former astronaut colleague John Young – the astronauts’ astronaut, a true legend. Fair winds and following seas, Captain. #RIP pic.twitter.com/cn79DctK6C

— Scott Kelly (@StationCDRKelly) January 6, 2018

John Young was arguably one of the finest aviators in the history of humans leaving the surface of the Earth. Even more amazing than walking on the Moon or being first to fly the shuttle, he was one of only two humans to twice enter lunar orbit. https://t.co/BPl99Cb0K1

— Jon Ostrower (@jonostrower) January 6, 2018

https://twitter.com/jasonrdavis/status/949694094644731904

Just learned of the passing of astronaut John Young. So honored to have been able to learn from his experience. A true American hero. #RIPJohnYoung

— Clayton C. Anderson – The Ordinary Spaceman®️ (@Astro_Clay) January 6, 2018

On top of all his other accomplishments, John Young, who just passed away at age 87, was the first astronaut officially reprimanded by NASA because of actions during a space flight.

The reason: he smuggled a corned beef sandwich aboard Gemini 3. pic.twitter.com/660l3RaDZ9

— ⒹⓇ. ⒿⒺⒻⒻ ⓇⒾⓁⒺⓎ (@DrRiley_Writes) January 6, 2018

Another Moonwalker, another hero, gone.

RIP John Young.

Of the 12 people who walked on the Moon, only 5 are still alive. Never let those dreams be in vain. pic.twitter.com/y3EaRY5bS6

— Sarah Cruddas (@sarahcruddas) January 6, 2018

John Young is one of my heroes, an astronaut’s astronaut, a fearless individual and a good friend. Godspeed. https://t.co/SzqxXOVVqT

— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) January 6, 2018

We mourn the passing of astronaut John Young, who began his career with us in 1962, when he was selected from hundreds of young pilots for our second astronaut class. Spanning three generations of spaceflight, he went on to fly in space six times. More: https://t.co/R5eY8MIaG9 pic.twitter.com/pkOFt6zzpL

— NASA (@NASA) January 6, 2018

The ultimate astronaut, my boyhood hero and colleague John Young has passed. I am grateful for the many memories of have of him, Godspeed my friend. pic.twitter.com/XJBonMs65Y

— Mike Massimino (@Astro_Mike) January 6, 2018

Rest In Peace Apollo 16 mission commander John Young. You are now back where you belong. In the stars ✨ pic.twitter.com/BYYzLSxhAI

— Kaya Jones (@KayaJones) January 6, 2018

Statement by former President George H. W. Bush (41) on the passing of astronaut John Young pic.twitter.com/G8PuRKbSZu

— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) January 6, 2018

Rarely does a childhood hero become a friend and mentor. Our nation & world lost a great champion: John Young, the finest astronaut I’ve ever met! Thank you for your lifelong courageous service #TrueHero pic.twitter.com/32MPidYL1w

— Ron Garan (@Astro_Ron) January 6, 2018

John Young – My hero. https://t.co/6CwDvjoFDg

— Rick Mastracchio (@AstroRM) January 6, 2018

Once upon a time in Houston, astronauts were our heroes. We studied them in school. We followed them to the moon. This is my ruler from elementary school. Rest in peace, John Young. #khou #HouNews pic.twitter.com/gbXJCJY6ca

— The Bishop (@BillBishopKHOU) January 6, 2018

A Great American – rest in peace. God bless John Young and his family. https://t.co/Ld5YUVPwpf

— Sara A. Carter (@SaraCarterDC) January 6, 2018

Astronaut John Young has died at 87. With his death, there are only five people still living who have walked on the moon.

— Angus Johnston (@studentactivism) January 6, 2018

This is one of my favorite #JohnYoung stories I've heard today – from one of my NASA/JSC friends, Joy Barckholtz, who works in Flight Operations: pic.twitter.com/jICeMkzt4f

— Herb Baker (@_HerbBaker) January 6, 2018