Professor Colin Pillinger, 1944-2014

British planetary scientist Professor Colin Pillinger, best known for his 2003 attempt to land a UK spacecraft on Mars, has died aged 70, it was announced this morning.
British planetary science has lost one it’s corner stones, and without Colin the UK would still be well behind many European countries in exploring the solar system. He will be sadly missed.

Liverpool Astronomical Society sends its sincere sympathy to his family and friends at this very sad time.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-27322166