Denis J. Curtin, aged 86, died on 19 November 2025.
Curtin earned a scholarship to study physics at Iona College. He then continued his studies at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. where he earned an M.S. in physics and a doctorate in mechanical engineering. His engineering and physics studies led to an interest and long career in solar cell research and their application in powering communication satellites.
Curtin started his career at COMSAT Labs, a research and development company specializing in the design and operation of communication satellites and earth stations. He helped design and build satellites while leveraging his academic research to improve the solar cells and solar arrays powering satellite operations. Curtin stayed with COMSAT for over 25 years, managing projects leading to multiple successful satellite launches for countries around the world.
In 1988, he was recruited by the startup company Orion Network Systems to lead the building, launch, and operation of three planned satellites. Orion was acquired by Loral Corporation and Curtin was kept on to lead the successful development of XTAR, a joint venture with the Spanish government and Loral to build and manage two additional satellites. He served as COO of XTAR until his retirement in 2010.
Curtin was an involved AIAA member, volunteering on the Communications Systems Technical Committee, as well as the Audit Committee and the Finance Committee. In recognition of his contributions to the aerospace engineering industry, he was elected as an AIAA Fellow, and he received the 2006 AIAA Aerospace Communications Award. In 2009, he was elected to the Communications Satellite Hall of Fame.
