The Explorers' Club, № MCXXXII

The Space Race—Astronaut Group 4 (the "Scientists"), Part III
Joseph Peter Kerwin (born 19 February 1932), Captain, U.S. Navy—He flew Skylab 2 (1973); he was the first Science Pilot & the first American physician in space; after the Challenger disaster, he wrote a report on the deaths of the crew; after leaving N.A.S.A., he co-invented the Simplified Aid For E.V.A. Rescue (S.A.F.E.R.) jet pack for the proposed Space Station Freedom, still in use today on the I.S.S.

Commentary: As a Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) during Apollo 13, Kerwin uttered the iconic line, addressing the doomed Lunar Module that had saved the astronauts' lives by serving as a lifeboat but was soon to burn up in the Earth's atmosphere:

"Farewell, Aquarius, & we thank you."

As of this publication, Doctor Kerwin is still alive, age ninety-three.

Bonus! Space Race Song o' the Day!: The Scientists—Joe Kerwin
The Aquabats!, "Doing Science!" from The Aquabats! Super Show! Television Soundtrack: Volume One (Captain Thumbs Up!)

Commentary:

"Science will save the day!
Science, let's shout, Hooray!
Life gets better every day
'Cause of science!…"

The Wayback Machine Tour of Joe Kerwin
"The Explorers' Club," № CMLII: The 50th Anniversary of Skylab 2, Part I
"The Explorers' Club," № CMLV: The 50th Anniversary of Skylab 2, Part II
"The Explorers' Club," № CMLX: The 50th Anniversary of Skylab 2, Part III

Semper exploro.