Rafael Navarro-Gonzalez

Rafael Navarro-Gonzalez, also known as Rafael Navarro-González and Rafael Navarro, (April 25, 1959 – January 28, 2021) was a Mexican NASA astrobiologist who worked with the Curiosity rover on the planet Mars, and who helped lead researchers in the identification of ancient organic compounds on the planet.[1][2][3] He was an internationally recognized scientist who merged laboratory simulations, field studies and modeling based on biology, chemistry and physics. Navarro-Gonzalez noted the significance of volcanic lightning in the origin of life on Earth.[1] His professional work included the SAM component on the Mars Science Laboratory, and the HABIT instrument on the Exomars mission.

Rafael Navarro-Gonzalez
Born
Rafael Navarro-González

(1959-04-25)April 25, 1959
DiedJanuary 28, 2021(2021-01-28) (aged 61)
Mexico
NationalityMexico[1]
EducationBachelors in Biology, Doctorate in Chemistry[1]
Alma materNational Autonomous University of Mexico (BS-Biology); University of Maryland at College Park (PhD-Chemistry)[1]
Scientific career
FieldsAstrobiology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics

He died from complications of COVID-19 on January 28, 2021. In April 2021, NASA named a mountain, "Rafael Navarro Mountain", on the planet Mars in his honor.[2][3]

Rafael Navarro Mountain on the planet Mars
(Curiosity rover; April 5, 2021)

Awards and honors

See also

References

  1. Staff (February 14, 2021). "Rafael Navarro-González - Mexico - 1959-2021". International Astronomical Union. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  2. Shekhtman, Lonnie (April 5, 2021). "NASA's Curiosity Team Names Martian Hill That Serves as Mission 'Gateway'". NASA. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  3. Staff (April 5, 2021). "Rafael Navarro-González". NASA. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
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