John Glenn passes away at age 95

Glenn became a national hero in 1962 when he became the first American to orbit the Earth. In an effort to allow NASA scientists to study the possible connections between aging and space travel, Glenn was launched into orbit for a nine-day mission as part of the crew of the space shuttle Discovery on October 29, 1998.

Obama said Glenn “always had the right stuff”, a reference to Tom Wolfe’s 1979 book The Right Stuff about the first class of USA astronauts, which was made into a Hollywood movie in 1983. – Announcing his retirement from the US Senate in 1997.

“Cindy and I send our deepest condolences to John’s wife Annie, their children, and the entire Glenn family. He was a pioneer in that era and certainly the first orbit of the earth is a vast milestone for NASA and for the world”, said Astronaut Greg Johnson.

(AP Photo/John Minchillo). A sign that reads “GODSPEED JOHN GLENN” is displayed in honor of the American astronaut at a local supermarket in his hometown, Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, in New Concord, Ohio. The event, founded by former president Bill Clinton after he left office, is held the same week as the General Assembly at the United Nations as most world leaders are in NY.

After setting the transcontinental flight speed record as a test pilot, he joined Mercury 7, America’s first class of astronauts.

A Marine pilot who flew 59 successful missions in World War II, Glenn went on to become the oldest person to enter space in 1998. “But, he got put in our hearts for being a public servant and an outstanding leader and a true space pioneer and that’s what we’ll remember him by”.

In a statement, President Barack Obama said the nation had lost an icon in Glenn. He gave millions of Americans hope, and made us believe that anything is possible.

“With all his accomplishments, he was always focused on the young people of today, who would soon lead the world”.

“We are more fulfilled when we are involved in something bigger than ourselves”. ‘To me, there is no greater calling …

Glenn was an inspiration, an idol, and someone who will be greatly missed. Most importantly, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Upon seeing the earth from 100 miles above for the first time, Glenn famously remarked: “Oh, that view is tremendous!”.

Glenn’s name is also synonymous with Ohio State as his name is on the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

John Glenn enters the Friendship 7 capsule in 1962, where he became the first American to orbit Earth. “America owes John Glenn a debt for the risks he took to help us win the space race”.