Pendle space pioneer professor dies aged 58

Prof. David Barnes was born on the East Coast at Marske near Middlesbrough, but with his parents, Mary and Cedric, came to live in Fence aged 11, regularly attending Wheatley Lane Methodist Church.

He was a pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Blackburn, and went to Bradford University where he got his degree. After that he got a Master’s Degree at the University of London and a Doctorate in Wales.

He has been professor at Aberystwyth University. Prof. Barnes – known as Dave there – was the head of their Space Robotics unit in the Department of Computer Science.

He had been a member of the UK STCF Aurora Advisory Committee since 2005 and was a founder member of the UK Space and Planetary Robotics Network. He had been active in robotics research for more than 25 years.

Following his death, it revealed he had played a key role in developing the UK’s strategy for involvement in Planet Mars.

Prof. Barnes’ funeral took place in Aberystwyth on Wednesday.

His mother said: “He loved his work and worked very hard there.” His father added: “We were so sad when he had a heart attack. We will miss him a great deal.”