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Personnel News

Jakob van Zyl

By Keith Cowing
NASA Watch
August 26, 2020
Jakob van Zyl

Michael Watkins: “I write with great sadness to let you know that Jakob van Zyl, our former Director for Solar System Exploration and Associate Director for Project Formulation and Strategy, passed away this morning following a heart attack Monday.
Jakob served the Lab for 33 distinguished years, culminating in his leadership of the Solar System Exploration Directorate through the successful operations of celebrated missions such as Juno, Dawn, Cassini, and the implementation of InSight and MARCO, along with ongoing development of Europa Clipper, Psyche, and all JPL instruments and the Mars Helicopter for Mars 2020.”

Jakob first achieved world renown for his research in imaging radar polarimetry. Subsequently, he managed the implementation and operations of Earth Science missions and instruments under JPL’s responsibility, then served as our Director for Astronomy, Physics and Space Technology and later as the Associate Director for Project Formulation and Strategy. In that role, he helped to formulate a new vision for the Laboratory of the future. JPL and NASA are richer for his many technical and managerial contributions, and for his unwavering dedication and engaging personality.
All of our hearts go out to Jakob’s wife, Kalfie, who many of you know. We will let you know when we have more information about a memorial service.”

NASA Watch founder, Explorers Club Fellow, ex-NASA, Away Teams, Journalist, Space & Astrobiology, Lapsed climber.