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Space Pioneer Steve Durst Dies After Thailand Workshop

2/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Steve Durst, an influential US space entrepreneur, died at his California home after a workshop in Thailand.
Steve Durst founded the International Lunar Observatory Association (ILOA).
He was involved in China's space sector since the 1980s.
During the Thailand workshop, he collaborated on an optical camera for China's Chang’e-7 mission.
Quentin Parker, director of the University of Hong Kong’s Laboratory for Space Research, praised his legacy and US-China space cooperation.

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Story summary

Steve Durst, an influential US space entrepreneur, died at his California home after a workshop in Thailand.
Steve Durst founded the International Lunar Observatory Association (ILOA).
He was involved in China's space sector since the 1980s.
During the Thailand workshop, he collaborated on an optical camera for China's Chang’e-7 mission.
Quentin Parker, director of the University of Hong Kong’s Laboratory for Space Research, praised his legacy and US-China space cooperation.