Colin Pillinger the colourful scientist behing the ill fated Mars probe died suddenly this week.
Professor Pillinger trained at Swansea University where he studied mathematics before going on to lead the Beagle programme designed to get a probe on to the surface of Mars.
Whilst the project was ultimately doomed - the control team losing contact with the probe - it did capture the imagination of the British public.
Prof Pillinger was credited with making science and especially astronomy much more accessible.
He will be missed.
