William H. Pickering biography

Synopsis

In 1944, New Zealander William Pickering joined the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which he went on to direct (1954-76). He oversaw the first orbit of the Earth by an American satellite (1958), the first American soft landings on the Moon, the first mission to orbit Mars (Mariner IX) and the first missions to Venus and Mercury (Mariner X). He received an honorary knighthood in 1976.

Profile

Rocket scientist, born in Wellington, New Zealand. He studied in the USA, and in 1944 joined the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which he went on to direct (1954-76). He oversaw the first orbit of the Earth by a US satellite (1958), the first US soft landings on the Moon, the first mission to orbit Mars (Mariner IX) and the first missions to Venus and Mercury (Mariner X). He received an honorary knighthood in 1976.