Wubbo Ockels deceased

On 18 May 2014 Wubbo J. Ockels, former student and PhD graduate of the University of Groningen deceased at the age of 68. Wubbo studied physics and conducted his PhD research between 1973 and 1978 at the Kernfysisch Versneller Instituut with prof. dr. R.H. Siemssen and dr. M.J.A. de Voigt as his advisors. During his PhD project he used particle beams from the KVI cyclotron to study very fast rotating nuclei. For this experimental work, based on the measurement of gamma rays, he developed amongst other things the experimental setup and the data-acquisition system. Already as a PhD student Wubbo was recognized for his inventiveness, his creativity, and his enormous enthusiasm. He was a typical leader, being on his best when he could develop his talents independently. After his PhD graduation he was trained to be an astronaut. In 1985 he was the first Dutch to make a trip into space.