Astronaut Piers Sellers passed away Dec. 23 in Houston of pancreatic cancer. For several years Dr. Sellers had served as acting director of the Earth Sciences Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The following is a statement from Goddard Center Director Chris Scolese on Sellers’ passing:
“Piers came to Goddard in 1982 from his native Britain and ultimately left a legacy that few can claim. His career path took him from scientist, to astronaut, and back to his roots as a leader in Goddard’s Sciences and Exploration Directorate.
“After learning he had pancreatic cancer more than a year ago, Piers’ optimistic take on life – well-known within the gates at Goddard – inspired people around the world. He spoke eloquently about his confidence in humanity’s ability to confront the challenges of climate change, even as he faced his own terminal diagnosis.
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“Piers’ contributions to Earth science are beyond significant. His Simple Biosphere Model was the first to realistically simulate the interaction of global photosynthesis and Earth’s climate. The focus of research throughout his career, his first-author papers on biosphere-climate interactions have been cited thousands of times. He led major field campaigns, FIFE and BOREAS, that combined ground, airborne, and satellite measurements at an unprecedented scale. He was the first project scientist of the Terra mission, which remains healthy in orbit today, 17 years after launch.
“When the opportunity arose, Piers made good on a childhood dream and was accepted to NASA’s astronaut corps. On missions STS-112, 121, and 132, he helped complete construction of the International Space Station, and gained the perspective of seeing Earth from space that he would talk about for years to come.
“In 2011, we at Goddard were fortunate that Piers chose to return to help lead the Sciences and Exploration Directorate and Earth Sciences Division. With wit and humor, and yet a razor-sharp focus on the task at hand, Piers has helped energize Earth science at Goddard in recent years.
“We remember Piers as an exceptional scientist and leader, but most importantly as an inspiring human being. He could make you think anything was possible, was always up for the adventure, and would remind you along the way how lucky we are to do the work we do here at Goddard.”
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