Obituary

Research Laboratories before joining Hughes Aircraft, where he worked on Syncom 2, the first geosynchronous communications satellite, and Syncom 3, the first geostationary satellite, Thai Rubin said. He moved to Geneva in 1965 as the ITU's first satellite expert, and developed India's Centre for Research and Training in Satellite Communications, now known as the Space Applications Centre. After moving to Washington, D.C., in 1970, Rubin was CPB chief scientist and Office of Science and Technology director, where he helped spearhead PBS and NPR moving to satellite distribution of programming. Rubin became chief scientist for PanAmSat, where he oversaw design, construction and launch of its satellites for nearly 20 years. He then co-founded RKF Engineering and retired about three years ago. Rubin received honors including being named an Institute of Electrical Engineers and American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics fellow, and was a Space & Satellite Professionals International Hall of Fame inductee. Survivors also include his wife, Lillie Belle Rubin, and two daughters. A memorial service is being planned for March to coincide with Satellite 2022.