In Memoriam: Professor Claudio Maccone (1948-2025)

The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) honors the memory of Professor Claudio Maccone, a distinguished Italian SETI astronomer, mathematician, and longtime contributor to the global space science community, who passed away this week at the age of 77.

A pioneering advocate for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), Claudio was internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in Mathematical SETI. His contributions include the development of the Statistical Drake Equation and Evo-SETI theory - innovative frameworks to model the evolution of life and intelligence in the universe.

Throughout his career, Claudio passionately championed the idea of placing a radio telescope on the far side of the Moon, a dream he hoped would advance both radio astronomy and the search for extraterrestrial technologies. His visionary "FOCAL" mission proposal, leveraging the Sun as a gravitational lens, remains one of the most ambitious concepts in space exploration.

Claudio served with distinction as Chair of the SETI Permanent Committee from 2012 to 2021, and later as Chair of the IAA Committee for Moon Farside Protection. He was also a recipient of numerous Awards, including the Giordano Bruno Award and had asteroid 11264 Claudiomaccone named in his honor.

He was a scientist of immense intellect and enthusiasm, known for his generosity in sharing knowledge with colleagues, students, and the public alike. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of researchers seeking to answer one of humanity’s most profound question: Are we alone?

The IAF extends its deepest condolences to Professor Maccone’s family, colleagues, and the global SETI community. His absence will be deeply felt, and his contributions long remembered.