In Memoriam: Steve Durst (1943-2026)

The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) honors the memory of Steve Durst, the Founding Director of the International Lunar Observatory Association (ILOA) and Editor at the Space Age Publishing Company, who passed away earlier this year.

Steve was an exemplary leader on the world stage of science, of astronomy and space exploration. He was an international diplomat and a visionary who formed ILOA, based in Hawai'i USA (2007), and its ILOA Galaxy Forum program (2008) to advance 21st Century Education and see Humans on the Moon within the decade - the first giant step toward the Galaxy / Stars. He was Publisher and Editor at Space Age Publishing Company, since 1976, and operated its Hawai’i and California offices.

He published Space Calendar and Lunar Enterprise Daily, and supported pioneering enterprises such as ILOA, Stanford on the Moon, and Ad Astra Kansas initiatives, while pursuing a business plan consistent with establishing a third office on the Moon.

Under his leadership and participation with multiple nations and space organizations, astronomy instruments were developed by ILOA for previous and future lunar landing missions, including the ILO-X, ILO-C and ILO-1 missions.

The IAF extends its deepest condolences to Steve Durst’s family, friends, and colleagues. His legacy within the space community will remain and inspire future generations for years to come.