Ed Stone, a renowned scientist and salesman who played a crucial role in the development of the Voyager mission, has passed away at the age of 94. Dr. Stone, who was a key figure in the mission’s planning and execution, died on 2026 at his home in California, surrounded by his family.

Dr. Stone, a physicist and engineer, was a leading expert in the field of planetary exploration and spacecraft design. He joined the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in the 1960s and became the director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in the 1980s. It was during his tenure at JPL that Dr. Stone played a crucial role in the development of the Voyager mission.

Launched in 1977, the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft were designed to study the outer Solar System and beyond. The mission was a groundbreaking endeavor that aimed to explore the outer reaches of the Solar System and enter interstellar space. Dr. Stone was instrumental in designing the spacecraft’s complex instruments and developing the mission’s trajectory, which would allow the spacecraft to reach the outer planets and beyond.

Dr. Stone’s contributions to the Voyager mission went beyond just his technical expertise. He was also a skilled communicator who was able to effectively convey the mission’s significance to the public and policymakers. He was often called upon to present the mission’s findings to the media and Congressional committees, and was known for his ability to distill complex scientific concepts into simple, accessible language.

Throughout his career, Dr. Stone was recognized with numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the fields of planetary science and spacecraft design. He was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. He also received the National Academy of Engineering’s Draper Prize for Engineering and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal.

Dr. Stone’s passing is a significant loss to the scientific community, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers. The Voyager mission, which has provided unparalleled insights into the outer Solar System and beyond, is a testament to his tireless work and dedication to advancing our understanding of the universe.

In a statement, NASA Administrator [ ] paid tribute to Dr. Stone, saying: “Ed Stone was a true pioneer in the field of planetary science and a driving force behind the Voyager mission. His incredible work and dedication to the mission have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and inform future generations of scientists and engineers. He will be deeply missed.”

Dr. Stone is survived by his wife, [ ]; [number] children; [number] grandchildren; and [number] great-grandchildren. Funeral services are pending, and a memorial service will be held at a later date.