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.

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. ^ a b c d e Staff (February 14, 2021). "Rafael Navarro-González - Mexico - 1959-2021". International Astronomical Union. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Shekhtman, Lonnie (April 5, 2021). "NASA's Curiosity Team Names Martian Hill That Serves as Mission 'Gateway'". NASA. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  3. ^ a b Staff (April 5, 2021). "Rafael Navarro-González". NASA. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
Allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Navarro-Gonz%C3%A1lez
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