Tributes from the worlds of science, space, politics

Tributes poured in for the late astronaut and Sen. John H. Glenn Jr., who died Thursday, from politicians, astronauts, educators, and others. He repeatedly was called a hero with many mentioning the phrase that first sent the Ohio native into orbit: "Godspeed, John Glenn."

Here are a sample:

The Marine Corps, on its Twitter account: "The Corps lost a legend today. Col. John Glenn - an astronaut, a senator, a Marine - died at the age of 95. Semper Fi, Sir."

President-elect Donald Trump tweeted: "Today we lost a great pioneer of air and space in John Glenn. He was a hero and inspired generations of future explorers. He will be missed."

Bill Nye the Science Guy tweeted: "Space exploration brings out our best. John Glenn served his country in space, in Congress, and inspired a generation. Onward, John Glenn."

Derrick Pitts of the Franklin Institute tweeted: "As you look at the stars gleaming in tonight's sky, remember John Glenn."

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden: "Glenn's extraordinary courage, intellect, patriotism and humanity were the hallmarks of a life of greatness. His missions have helped make possible everything our space program has since achieved and the human missions to an asteroid and Mars that we are striving toward now."

Former Vice President Al Gore tweeted: "John Glenn, a true hero, helped usher in a new era & inspired us all. A beloved senate colleague, he will be greatly missed."

U.S. Sen. John McCain: "More than anything else, John served his country with profound humility. He extended kindness and courtesy to all those who had the pleasure of being in his company. John held many titles throughout his life: war hero, astronaut, and senator. But none so aptly described John as the title of 'good man.' "

Roger Launius, historian, associate director of the National Air and Space Museum: "You look at John Glenn, and his is really a life of service, and we don't see enough of that. He is an honest-to-God hero in all kinds of ways."

Ohio Gov. John Kasich: "John Glenn is, and always will be, Ohio's ultimate hometown hero, and his passing today is an occasion for all of us to grieve. . . . Though he soared deep into space and to the heights of Capitol Hill, his heart never strayed from his steadfast Ohio roots. Godspeed, John Glenn!"

Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper: "No one in this country epitomized the nobility and patriotism of public service more than Ohio's John Glenn."