JACK SWIGERT Meaning and
Definition
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Jack Swigert, born John Leonard Swigert Jr. (1931-1982), was an American astronaut, pilot, and engineer. He became famous for his significant role in the Apollo 13 lunar mission.
Swigert attended the University of Colorado and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1953. After completing his education, he joined the United States Air Force, where he served as a fighter pilot. He then attended the Aerospace Research Pilot School, becoming a test pilot for North American Aviation.
In 1963, Swigert was selected by NASA as part of the third group of astronauts, known as NASA Group 3. However, he did not initially fly in space, serving instead as a support crew member for Apollo 7 and Apollo 9.
Swigert's most notable contribution to space exploration came in 1970 when he was selected as the Command Module Pilot for Apollo 13. The mission faced a critical situation when an oxygen tank explosion severely damaged the spacecraft, jeopardizing the lives of the crew. Swigert played a crucial role in helping to safely abort the lunar landing and navigate the crippled spacecraft back to Earth, working closely with the mission commander James Lovell and Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise.
After leaving NASA in 1977, Swigert entered the political realm and was elected to represent Colorado in the United States House of Representatives. Unfortunately, his time in Congress was cut short by his untimely death from cancer in 1982 at the age of 51.
Jack Swigert's bravery, technical expertise, and cool-headedness under pressure during the Apollo 13 mission make him an important figure in the history of space exploration.
Etymology of JACK SWIGERT
The word "jack" is a common given name with English origins. It originally comes from the Middle English name "Jankin", which was a diminutive form of "John", meaning "God is gracious". Over time, it became a standalone given name.
On the other hand, "Swigert" is a surname with Germanic origins. It is derived from the German word "Schwiegert", which means "father-in-law" or "stepfather". The surname "Swigert" may have originated from someone who was a stepfather or had a significant relationship with a stepfather.
As for the specific name "Jack Swigert", it is the full name of John L. "Jack" Swigert, an American astronaut who served as the Command Module Pilot for the Apollo 13 mission in 1970.
