December 27

Eivind Astrup was a Norwegian explorer known for his pioneering expeditions to Greenland's ice cap alongside Fridtjof Nansen. In his early twenties, he demonstrated remarkable skill in ski travel and sled handling, contributing vital observations on polar terrain. Astrup's detailed notes and sketches of the Greenland interior enriched contemporary understanding of Arctic geography. His expeditions influenced subsequent polar explorations, showcasing the effectiveness of lightweight equipment and skiing techniques. Tragically, he died in a skiing accident at the age of 24, cutting short a promising career. Astrup's legacy endures in polar exploration literature and the development of modern expedition practices.

Born in 1931 in Denver, Colorado, he served as an Air Force test pilot before joining NASA in 1966. As Command Module Pilot on Apollo 13 in 1970, Swigert famously declared, 'Houston, we've had a problem.' His calm leadership and technical skill were instrumental in bringing the damaged spacecraft safely home. After retiring from NASA in 1972, he ran for Congress and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Colorado in 1982. Tragically, he was diagnosed with cancer and died before taking office, cementing his status as both a space and public service hero.