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Monday, August 11, 2003 Scripps Physicist Elected to Prestigious Astronautics Academy Francisco P. J. Valero recognized for scientific achievements and leadership Scripps Institution of Oceanography / University of California, San Diego Francisco P.J. Valero of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, has been elected a full member of the prestigious International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), an organization that recognizes the global significance of astronautics and space exploration.The IAA was founded in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1960 under the leadership of Theodore von Karman, one of the most important figures in the evolution of space exploration and IAA's first president. Since then, IAA has brought together the world's foremost experts in the disciplines of astronautics to recognize the accomplishments of their peers, to explore and discuss cutting-edge issues in space research and technology, and to provide direction and guidance in the non-military uses of space and the ongoing exploration of the solar system.  Valero, director of the Atmospheric Research Laboratory at Scripps Institution, and other new IAA members will be honored in September in Bremen, Germany. Valero is the leader of a new, innovative space research mission, the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite. The NASA-funded mission is designed to test a novel approach to researching the Earth system from deep space, providing synoptic (a whole, simultaneous view of the sunlit hemisphere of Earth) with high-time resolution observations. This pathfinder mission was strongly endorsed by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and has the potential to provide unique information on Earth's climate system that will synergistically complement the data from other Earth science satellites. IAA membership consists of individuals from 65 countries who have distinguished themselves in one of the fields of astronautics or one of the branches of science of fundamental importance for the exploration of space. Academy members are leaders in space and aeronautical activities in their own countries. Election to IAA, which operates in close cooperation with the various national academies and engineering academies, recognizes an individual's record of service and achievement. Valero, a physicist, has been involved in scientific research since the early 1960s. His past work included several areas of basic physics, including atomic and molecular spectroscopy, solar plasma spectroscopy, and planetary atmospheres. Most recently, his efforts have focused on understanding Earth system processes related to climate and climate change. These investigations have involved the interaction of solar and planetary radiation with clouds and aerosols. Valero's work is reflected in numerous published contributions. He reported some of the first "in situ" observations of the super-greenhouse effect over the central equatorial Pacific. His research into the effects of Arctic and other natural and anthropogenic aerosols as well as his contributions studying the effects of clouds on Earth's energy balance have helped improve understanding of the climate system and refine the theoretical treatment of radiation energy processes in the atmosphere. He led the design and construction of a new generation of precision radiometers, an instrument that measures radiant energy, which have been flown extensively on both manned and unmanned aircraft. These instruments were developed using new concepts and technology and became the accepted standard for airborne and ground measurements. He has been the primary proponent, chief scientist, and principal investigator of numerous research missions. # # # Scripps Institution of Oceanography on the web: http://scripps.ucsd.edu Scripps News on the web: http://scrippsnews.ucsd.edu Scripps Centennial on the web: http:// scripps100.ucsd.edu Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, is one of the oldest, largest, and most important centers for global science research and graduate training in the world. The scientific scope of the institution has grown since its founding in 1903. A century of Scripps science has had an invaluable impact on oceanography, on understanding of the earth, and on society. More than 300 research programs are under way today in a wide range of scientific areas. Scripps operates one of the largest U.S. academic fleets with four oceanographic research ships and one research platform for worldwide exploration. Now plunging boldly into the 21st century, Scripps is celebrating its centennial in 2003. # # # Note to broadcast and cable producers: University of California, San Diego provides an on-campus satellite uplink facility for live or pre-recorded television interviews. Please phone or e-mail the media contact listed above to arrange an interview. Scripps Institution of Oceanography, at University of California, San Diego, is one of the oldest, largest and most important centers for global science research and education in the world. The National Research Council has ranked Scripps first in faculty quality among oceanography programs nationwide Now in its second century of discovery, the scientific scope of the institution has grown to include biological, physical, chemical, geological, geophysical and atmospheric studies of the earth as a system. Hundreds of research programs covering a wide range of scientific areas are under way today in 65 countries. The institution has a staff of about 1,300, and annual expenditures of approximately $155 million from federal, state and private sources. Scripps operates one of the largest U.S. academic fleets with four oceanographic research ships and one research platform for worldwide exploration. |
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