NASA Lunar Exploration Analysis Group Statement on the Passing of Dr. Michael Wargo

The Lunar Exploration Analysis Group (LEAG) on behalf of the broader lunar community wishes to expresses its deep shock and sadness at the news that Dr. Mike Wargo passed away unexpectedly over the weekend of August 3-4, 2013. Mike was the Executive Secretary of LEAG and championed the Moon at NASA HQ.

While his advice of patience may have been difficult to accept at times, it was invariably correct. He was also a believer in and a champion of the Moon and the Lunar Exploration Roadmap, which he helped construct through sound advice and coordination of roadmapping meetings. Mike was also a champion of the Specific Action Teams, through which LEAG has conducted many analyses for NASA.

Mike exuded an infectious passion, dedication, and enthusiasm for forging closer ties between science and exploration at NASA, which he achieved because of his encyclopedic knowledge of science and exploration issues that are involved with human spaceflight. Mike’s passion for science and exploration can be seen in this 2009 video where he described the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasamarshall/3639055650/in/set-72157619694006185).

In addition to LEAG meetings, Mike was ever-present at meetings of the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) and the driving force behind defining and filling the Strategic Knowledge Gaps that grew out of the Space Policy changes of 2010 that occurred with the change in the US administration. Above all, he was a gentleman who was friendly, helpful, and considerate. His larger-than-life personality was accentuated by his laugh and his ability to always share a joke! We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Adele, and his family at this time. We are indebted to him for his contributions to LEAG, as well as lunar science and exploration. Mike – you are already missed.