Godspeed: How the world reacted to losing American hero John Glenn

People across the world are reacting to the death of the first American astronaut to orbit the earth, John Glenn.

"Godspeed, John Glenn," NASA wrote in a tweet.

"Today, the people of Ohio remember a devoted public servant who represented his fellow Buckeyes in the U.S. Senate for a quarter century and who fought to keep America a leader in science and technology," President Obama said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with his beloved wife Annie, their children John and Carolyn and the entire Glenn family. The last of America's first astronauts has left us, but propelled by their example we know that our future here on Earth compels us to keep reaching for the heavens. On behalf of a grateful nation, Godspeed, John Glenn."

President-elect Donald Trump shared his condolences on Twitter:

"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."

Ohio governor John Kasich released a statement about Glenn's death that reads in part:

"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. As we bow our heads and share our grief with his beloved wife, Annie, we must also turn to the skies, to salute his remarkable journeys and his long years of service to our state and nation."

See also: Life and legacy of John Glenn

Glenn was one of the original seven Mercury astronauts. His career included two space flights, 24 years as a U.S. Senator from Ohio, and run for president of the United States.