WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama on Thursday paid tribute to legendary astronaut John Glenn, calling the first American to orbit the Earth -- who died at the age of 95 -- an icon and a friend.
"John 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," Obama said in a statement.
"With John's passing, our nation has lost an icon and Michelle and I have lost a friend," the president said. "On behalf of a grateful nation, Godspeed, John Glenn."