Robert W. Farquhar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert W. Farquhar
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Farquhar in 2010
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| Born |
Robert Greener
September 12, 1932 |
| Died | October 18, 2015 (aged 83) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Illinois, University of California |
| Alma mater | Stanford University |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | NASA |
| Thesis | The Control and Use of Libration-Point Satellites (1968) |
Robert Willard Farquhar (September 12, 1932 – October 18, 2015) was an American space expert. He worked for NASA and designed special paths for spacecraft. These paths helped missions explore space.
Farquhar was known for creating halo orbits. These are unique paths that spacecraft can follow. In 2012, he was recognized for his work. He became a member of the National Academy of Engineering. This was for his deep space missions to comets and asteroids. He also led the NEAR mission to the asteroid Eros.
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Robert Farquhar's Early Life and Learning
Robert Farquhar was born Robert Greener on September 12, 1932. His birthplace was Chicago, Illinois. When he was thirteen, his mother remarried Frank Farquhar. Robert later took Frank's last name.
As a child, Robert loved aviation. He often read about planes. He also built his own model airplanes. This early interest helped him choose his future career.
Education and Military Service
After high school, Farquhar attended Wilson Junior College. In April 1951, he joined the army. He completed basic training and jump training. Later, he served in the Korean War. He worked as a company clerk, writing reports. He was on the front lines until the fighting stopped.
After his army service, Farquhar returned to the U.S. He studied at the University of Illinois. In 1957, he decided to work in spaceflight. He earned his bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering in 1959. He then got his master's degree from the University of California. In 1968, he earned his PhD in astronautics from Stanford University.
Farquhar's Career at NASA
Robert Farquhar worked for NASA for 23 years. His PhD research was about libration points. These are special spots in space where gravity from two large objects balances out. This research helped create the path for the International Sun-Earth Explorer-3 satellite.
Designing Spacecraft Paths
Farquhar later designed a path for this satellite. It allowed the satellite to fly close to the Giacobini–Zinner comet in 1985. This was a big achievement. President Ronald Reagan even sent him a letter of congratulations. In 2014, Farquhar worked with a team. They tried to move the satellite back to its old path. This was to continue its science work.
While at Johns Hopkins University, Farquhar directed the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) mission. This mission went to the asteroid 433 Eros. It was the first launch of NASA's Discovery program. He also designed the path for the CONTOUR space probe. However, that probe stopped working soon after launch.
Halo Orbits and Space Exploration
Farquhar was the first to develop halo orbits. These are special paths around libration points. The ISEE-3 mission was the first to use this idea. The spacecraft was renamed the International Cometary Explorer (ICE). On September 11, 1985, it flew perfectly through the tail of comet Giacobini-Zinner. Farquhar also managed the first mission encounter for New Horizons.
Robert Farquhar passed away on October 18, 2015. He was 83 years old. He died at his home in Burke, Virginia. An asteroid, 5256 Farquhar, was named in his honor.
Farquhar's Family
Minor planet 5947 Bonnie was named after his first wife, Bonnie Gail Farquhar.
Minor planet 5957 Irina was named after his wife, Irina Victorovna Farquhar.
