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Robert E. Bourdeau
American physicist / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Robert Eugene Bourdeau (February 1, 1922 ā March 5, 2010) was an American physicist known for major contributions to the study of the ionosphere, plasma physics and radio science using space vehicles including satellites and rockets. Among his many achievements was the launch on November 3, 1960, of Explorer 8 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This occurred during his 16-year career at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He was both Project Manager and Project Scientist for Explorer 8 which added significant knowledge to the understanding of these fields.
Robert Eugene Bourdeau | |
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Born | (1922-02-01)February 1, 1922 |
Died | March 5, 2010(2010-03-05) (aged 88) |
Resting place | St. Anne's Cemetery, Turners Falls, Massachusetts |
Nationality | American |
Education | Bachelor of Science in Physics |
Alma mater | University of Massachusetts |
Spouses | Claire Estelle Baldwin, Lucille Lioy Loche |
Children | Michele Ann, Robert Roland |
Awards | ![]() ![]() |
Scientific career | |
Fields | Ionosphere, Plasma Physics, Radio Science |
Institutions | Naval Research Laboratory, National Aeronautics and Space Administration |
Prior to his career at NASA Bourdeau worked at the Naval Research Laboratory and participated in the historic post-war V-2 rocket program at the White Sands Proving Ground. There he began his research into the ionosphere. After the V-2 program ended around 1946, Bourdeau concentrated mainly on Department of Defense classified research that included studies of atmospheric electricity.