Bill Pickering
Scientist, engineer, space program leader
Born
1910
115 years ago
Died
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
United States
Links & References
An engineer and physicist, contributed significantly to the development of rocket technologies and space exploration. Worked on the design and deployment of numerous satellite systems, including the Pioneer and Voyager missions that explored the outer planets. Served as the director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and played a crucial role in the advancement of the United States' space capabilities.
Directed the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Oversaw the Pioneer and Voyager missions
Other People Who Died on March 15th
Paul Stojanovich
Television producer, World's Wildest Police Videos
Born
1955 70 years ago
Died
March 15th, 2003 22 years ago — 48 years old
A television producer specialized in unscripted programming. Created and produced the series World's Wildest Police Videos, which showcased real police chases and arrests. The program contributed to the popularity of reality television in the 1990s. Stojanovich's work emphasized the often dramatic situations faced by law enforcement and included various segments such as high-speed pursuits and standoff scenarios. The show became a significant part of American pop culture during its run and influenced subsequent reality-based series.
Continue ReadingBooth Gardner
American politician, Governor of Washington
Born
1936 89 years ago
Died
March 15th, 2013 12 years ago — 77 years old
Served as the 19th Governor of Washington from 1985 to 1993. Focused on education reform and economic development during tenure. Prior to governorship, held positions as the Pierce County Executive and in the Washington State Legislature. Advocated for environmental issues and played a role in the establishment of the state's growth management policy.
Continue ReadingDave Philley
Baseball player and manager in MLB
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
March 15th, 2012 13 years ago — 92 years old
Played professional baseball as an outfielder from 1940 to 1959. Had significant roles with the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, and Baltimore Orioles. Transitioned to managing in the minor leagues after retirement from playing. Also worked as a coach at various levels of baseball.
Continue ReadingSmiley Culture
English singer and DJ known for reggae
Born
1963 62 years ago
Died
March 15th, 2011 14 years ago — 48 years old
An English singer and DJ, prominent in the genre of reggae and reggae fusion. Best recognized for contributions to British reggae music, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s. Achieved significant success with the single 'Nine to Five' released in 1984. The artist combined elements of DJing and singing, contributing to the evolution of the genre within the UK music scene. Smiley Culture's work addressed social issues alongside showcasing cultural influences from Jamaica. His career spanned over three decades and included a variety of performances and recordings.
Continue ReadingJohn Pople
Chemist, Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Born
October 31st, 1925 100 years ago
Died
March 15th, 2004 21 years ago — 78 years old
A chemist and academic contributed to the development of computational methods in quantum chemistry. His work provided significant insights into chemical processes, leading to advancements in molecular modeling. Pople's pioneering efforts in the field established new methods for computational simulations in chemistry. He collaborated with various institutions and made lasting contributions that shaped modern chemistry practices. Pople was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1998 for his foundational contributions to computational quantum chemistry.
Continue ReadingAsa Briggs
Historian and academic authoring works
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
March 15th, 2016 9 years ago — 95 years old
A prominent historian and academic, contributed significantly to the field of social history, particularly regarding Victorian Britain. Served as the vice-chancellor of the Open University and played an essential role in developing its educational and research programs. Authored several influential books, detailing aspects of British history and the media's role in shaping public consciousness. Engaged in public debates about history and education in the UK and delivered numerous lectures.
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