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John Edgar Ainsworth

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John Edgar Ainsworth
Born(1920-06-28)June 28, 1920
DiedSeptember 30, 2004(2004-09-30) (aged 84)
EducationSt. John's College 1938–1941
Harvard University, 1946–1947
Alma materUniversity of Maryland
OccupationPhysicist
OrganizationNASA
Spouse
Anne Elizabeth Kidder
(m. 1952)
Children
  • Martha (b. 1955)
  • Julie (b. 1956)
  • Paul (b. 1959)
Parents
  • Rev John Edgar Ainsworth (father)
  • Clara Eva Donsife (mother)
AwardsNASA Exceptional Service Medal
Goddard Special Achievement Award

John Edgar Ainsworth (June 28, 1920 – September 30, 2004)[1] was an American physicist and polymath who worked for NASA.[2] Ainsworth was the primary designer of the Pioneer Venus probe.[3]

Personal life

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Ainsworth, the son of Rev. John Edgar Ainsworth and Clara Eva Donsife, married Anne Elizabeth Kidder (1924–2015) on August 27, 1952, in Berkeley, California. Together, Anne and John had three children, Martha, Julie, and Paul.

John Ainsworth died on September 30, 2004, aged 84, in Silver Spring, Maryland.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b John Ainsworth (1920-2004), mocavo.com. Accessed October 16, 2023.
  2. ^ Sullivan, Patricia (October 3, 2004). "John E. Ainsworth, 84, Dies; Physicist, Polymath". The Washington Post. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
  3. ^ "Goddard Retirees and Alumni Association". NASA. Retrieved May 21, 2013.