First American To Circle Around Earth Passes Away At 95

Former astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn, who is also known as the first American to orbit the Earth, passed away on Dec. 8 at the age of 95. He was hospitalized at the Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University in Columbus after suffering a minor stroke, which affected his vision, after he underwent a heart-valve replacement surgery.

NASA also tweeted the loss, posting, "We are saddened by the loss of Sen. John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth. A true American hero. Godspeed, John Glenn. Ad astra."

John Glenn was the last of the agency's original seven astronauts to die, and his life had been full -- he circled the world three times while on board the Mercury capsule, "Friendship 7" before it landed in the Atlantic Ocean in February 1962. Space.com noted that at the age of 77, he was still able to return to orbit aboard the space shuttle, "Discovery," making him the oldest person to ever fly into space.

John Glenn also served as a colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps and flew combat flights during the Second World War as well as the Korean War. He also served for 25 years as an Ohio senator. Among his many accomplishments included the honor of the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which are the highest civilian honors ever awarded in the United States.

In a statement on Thursday, President Barack Obama had nice words to share about John Glenn, stating that he "always had the right stuff, inspiring generations of scientists, engineers and astronauts who will take us to Mars and beyond - not just to visit, but to stay."

In retirement, John Glenn lived with his wife of 73 years, Anna, in a Washington suburb. He was survived by his wife, his son Dave, daughter Lyn and two grandchildren.