PASADENA, Calif. – Renowned scientist Edward C. Stone, widely known for his groundbreaking achievements in the field of space exploration, has passed away at 88 at his residence in Pasadena. Stone, who served as the chief scientist of NASA’s Voyager mission, made significant contributions that opened up new horizons for humanity in understanding the universe.
Throughout his illustrious career, Stone’s legacy is marked by his pioneering work on the Voyager mission, where he oversaw the successful operations of two plutonium-powered spacecraft that ventured into the farthest reaches of our solar system. Both Voyager 1 and 2, launched in 1977, continue to transmit valuable data from billions of miles away, capturing mesmerizing images of the outer planets and moons.
Beyond his work with the Voyager mission, Stone made notable contributions to the field of space exploration. He played a key role in designing scientific instruments for US satellites, overseeing the construction of the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii, and spearheading the establishment of LIGO, a billion-dollar physics experiment that made groundbreaking observations of gravitational waves in 2015.
One of Stone’s most remarkable achievements was his leadership in interpreting the data sent back by Voyager, shedding light on the fascinating discoveries about Jupiter’s moon Io, Saturn’s rings, and many other planetary phenomena. His dedication to advancing our understanding of the solar system and beyond made him a pivotal figure in the scientific community.
Throughout his career, Stone’s passion for exploration and discovery was evident in his work. He remained committed to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge, always seeking to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos. His remarkable contributions to the field of space exploration have left an indelible mark that will continue to inspire future generations of scientists.
As the scientific community mourns the loss of a visionary pioneer, Edward C. Stone’s legacy lives on in the vast expanse of space that he helped us explore and understand.