Angioletta Coradini

Dr. Angioletta Coradini (born 1 July 1946, Rovereto, Italy – died 5 September 2011, Rome, Italy) was an Italian astrophysicist, planetary scientist and one of the most important figures in the space sciences in Italy.^[1]

Biography

In 1970 she completed a Masters degree in Physics at the University of Rome, the city where she would do her research over her entire career—at first at the university, then from 1975 at the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), and finally at the National Astrophysics Institute of Italy (INAF).

Participation in international scientific projects

• Co-investigator for NASA lunar and planetary research (1970–74);
• Member of the Science Team for the CIRS and VIMS instruments, and PI of the VIMS visible channel, Cassini-Huygens mission (1991–2011)
• Coordinator of the Moon Orbiting Observatory (MORO) proposal and member of the MORO science team (1993–96);
• Member of the Observing Time Allocation Committee (OTAC) for the ESA Infrared Observatory (ISO) mission (1994–96);
• Member of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) observing Program Committee, Panel F (1997–99);
• Member of the Scientific Council of the Finnish Academy of Space Studies “Antares” (1999–2004);
• Member of the Scientific Council of the International Institute of Space Studies (ISSI), headquartered in Bern (1999–2002);
• Member of the High Scientific Committee of the Paris Observatory;
• PI of the Jiram Instrument for the NASA New Frontiers Juno mission (2005–11);
• Member of the Space Advisory Group (SAG) of the European Community (2008–11);

Awards and Recognition

• David Bates Medal (2007) “In recognition of her important and wide ranging work in planetary sciences and Solar System formation, and her leading role in the development of space infrared instrumentation for planetary exploration”^[2]
• Jean Dominique Cassini Medal & Honorary Membership 2012 ^[3]
• 2012 NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal ^[4]
• Coradini Crater on 134340 Pluto.

Death

Dr. Coradini died in 2011, aged 65, after a year-long battle with cancer.

References