Is Jim Lovell A-List?
No — Jim Lovell is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 1968
Apollo 8 Command Module Pilot
Lost A-list status in 1973
Dropped to B tier — Retired from NASA
Ranking Timeline
Joined NASA Astronaut Corps
Selected as an astronaut, beginning his space exploration career.
Pilot of Gemini 7
First spaceflight, setting a duration record and increasing his profile.
Apollo 8 Command Module Pilot
One of the first to orbit the Moon, achieving international recognition.
Commander of Apollo 13
Safely guided Apollo 13 back to Earth after a critical malfunction, becoming a national hero.
Retired from NASA
Retired from NASA and entered the private sector, leveraging his fame.
Apollo 13 film release
Consulted on film, boosted his legacy and finances.
Retired Astronaut and Author
Lives off of lifetime achievements, book royalties, and speaker fees.
Last updated: February 25, 2026