ML24184B852

News Release-24-048: NRC Offered Condolences on the Death of Former Chairman William A. Anders

ML24184B852
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Issue date:	06/18/2024
From:	Office of Public Affairs
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News Release-24-048
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No: 24-048 June 18, 2024 CONTACT: Office of Public Affairs, 301-415-8200 NRC Offered Condolences on the Death of Former Chairman William A. Anders

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission offered condolences on behalf of the NRC Commission and staff on the passing of former NRC Chairman WilliamA. Anders.

Chairman Anders had an illustrious career far beyond taking one of the most widely seen photos from space, said NRC Chair Christopher Hanson. He was the only person to serve as Commissioner on both the Atomic Energy Commission and NRC and he served as the new agencys first C hairman, providing institutional continuity while unambiguously committing the agency to serve as an unbiased, independent, and open regulator. We are saddened by his death and extend our condolences to his family.

Anders was appointed by President Gerald Ford and became NRC Chairman on Jan. 19, 1975. He served on the Commission until April 20, 1976. Previously, Anders served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force before joining NASA as an astronaut, where he worked as a specialist in space radiation. He assumed engineering responsibilities in conjunction with the Gemini and Apollo spacecraft projects and served as a backup crew member for the Gemini 11 and Apollo 11 space missions.

He was tapped as crew member for the Apollo 8 mission, which, in December 1968, became the first crewed mission to orbit the moon. During Apollo 8, Anders achieved international fame when he took the photograph Earthrise, the first color photo of the Earth as seen from the Moon. Earthrise is credited with helping inspire the modern environmental movement and was named one of the top photographs of the 20th century by Life Magazine.

Anders went on to serve as Executive Secretary of the National Aeronautics and Space Council and then Commissioner at the AEC. He also served as U.S. Ambassador to Norway and later in top positions at General Electric Corporation and General Dynamics. Anders continued to serve in the U.S. Air Force reserves from which he retired as a Major General.

Throughout this life, Anders received numerous awards including the NRC Distinguished Service Award, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service and Commendation Medals, and the National Geographic Societys Hubbard Medal for Exploration. He is a member of the International Space Hall of Fame, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, and the National Aviation Hall of Fame.