Jack Swigert

Jack Swigert was an American astronaut and aviator, best known for his role as a NASA astronaut on the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission. Born in Denver, Colorado, in 1931, Swigert had a passion for aviation from a young age and became a skilled pilot before joining NASA in 1966. Swigert’s expertise in aerospace engineering and his calm demeanor under pressure made him an invaluable member of the Apollo program, especially during the Apollo 13 mission, where he was instrumental in helping to bring the crew back to Earth after an oxygen tank explosion in space.

Swigert's role in Apollo 13 was a pivotal one, as he was the spacecraft's command module pilot. His quick thinking and technical knowledge helped resolve the life-threatening crisis faced by the crew, and his actions during the mission made him a national hero. Swigert's post-spaceflight career included serving as a U.S. Congressman for Colorado, but his life was tragically cut short when he passed away in 1982 from cancer, just a few days before he was set to begin his new role in Congress.

One of Swigert’s most memorable quotes from the Apollo 13 mission is "Houston, we have a problem." This simple statement, spoken as a communication protocol during the emergency, became famous for encapsulating the gravity and calmness of the situation. Swigert's legacy as a symbol of courage, resilience, and problem-solving in the face of adversity continues to inspire those who work in aerospace and beyond.