Frank Borman

Easton Press Frank Borman books

Count Down - Signed Edition as part of the 6 volume Astronaut Library - 1997

 

Astronaut Frank Borman

Frank Frederick Borman II, born on March 14, 1928, in Gary, Indiana, is a retired United States Air Force colonel, aeronautical engineer, test pilot, businessman, and former NASA astronaut. His life and career are indelibly linked to the early days of space exploration, including being the commander of the Apollo 8 mission, a historic milestone in human spaceflight. Borman's interest in aviation and space was ignited during his youth, leading him to pursue a career in aeronautical engineering. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1950 and subsequently joined the United States Air Force. Borman's military career included service as a fighter pilot and test pilot.

In 1962, Frank Borman became one of the nine astronauts selected for NASA's second astronaut group. His first spaceflight was aboard Gemini 7 in 1965, where he spent a record-setting 14 days in orbit alongside astronaut James Lovell. The mission was crucial for testing the effects of extended space travel on the human body. Borman's most significant achievement came as the commander of Apollo 8 in December 1968. This mission was the first crewed spacecraft to orbit the Moon and provided humanity with the iconic "Earthrise" photograph, offering a perspective of Earth from lunar orbit. The crew, including astronauts Jim Lovell and Bill Anders, became the first humans to travel to the Moon and back, a pivotal step in the lead-up to the Apollo 11 lunar landing. After his historic spaceflight, Frank Borman retired from NASA and pursued a successful career in business. He served as the CEO of Eastern Air Lines from 1975 to 1986, guiding the airline through a challenging period in the aviation industry.

Beyond his achievements in aerospace and business, Borman has been recognized for his contributions to education and public service. He served on various boards and committees, working to promote STEM education and advance space exploration. Frank Borman's legacy is intertwined with the early days of human spaceflight, particularly the Apollo program's groundbreaking achievements. His leadership and contributions have left an enduring mark on the exploration of space, and he continues to be celebrated for his role in advancing the frontiers of science and technology.

 

Countdown - An Autobiography by Frank Borman

Recounts Borman's flights aboard NASA's Gemini 7 and Apollo 8, and his battle to keep Eastern Airlines financially sound during his tenure as the company's president