Simon Peter Worden
Simon Peter “Pete” Worden, (Brig. Gen., USAF, Ret., PhD) holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Michigan and a PhD in Astronomy from the University of Arizona. Dr. Worden was Director of NASA’s Ames Research Center from May 2006 until March 2015. He has held several positions in the United States Air Force and was research professor of astronomy at the University of Arizona in Tucson. He is a recognized expert on space and science issues – both civil and military, and he has been a leader in building partnerships between governments and the private sector internationally. Dr. Worden has authored or co-authored more than 150 scientific papers in astrophysics space sciences, and strategic studies. He served as a scientific co-investigator for three NASA space science missions – most recently the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph launched in 2013 to study the Sun. He received the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal for the 1994 Clementine Mission to the moon. Dr. Worden was named the 2009 Federal Laboratory Consortium Laboratory ‘Director of the Year’ and is the recipient of the 2010 Arthur C. Clarke Innovator’s Award.
Dr. Worden said: “I am truly honored to join the Copernicus Board. I’m looking forward to searching for life throughout our solar system and expanding our reach into the Galaxy.”
