Explorer 1, the first American satellite, functioned according to systems design specifications drafted by Albert Roach Hibbs. Beyond his technical contributions to early space technology, Hibbs established himself as the primary public face of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, translating intricate orbital mechanics and planetary science into accessible language for millions of radio and television viewers during the mid-twentieth century.
Academic Foundation and Theoretical Physics
Hibbs pursued his undergraduate studies at the California Institute of Technology under the U.S. Navy's V-12 program, graduating in 1945. He continued his education at the University of Chicago, earning a master's degree in mathematics in 1947. Returning to Caltech, he completed a doctorate in physics in 1955. His thesis, concerning the growth of water waves through wind action, was supervised by Nobel laureate Richard Feynman. The two maintained a professional partnership, co-authoring the 1965 textbook Quantum Mechanics and Path Integrals, which remains a standard reference for the path integral formulation.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Technical Leadership at Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Joining the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 1950, Hibbs moved into leadership roles as the facility transitioned to NASA management. He founded the Space Science Division in 1960, serving as its inaugural chief. Throughout the 1960s, he helped construct the strategic framework for solar system exploration. His career at the laboratory included managing informational dissemination for the Ranger, Surveyor, Mariner, Viking, and Voyager missions. Between 1962 and 1967, he stepped away from his core laboratory duties to assist the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, analyzing methods for monitoring international treaties from orbital positions.
Public Communication and Astronaut Training
Hibbs earned recognition as the Voice of JPL for his television and radio appearances. His work on the children's series Exploring earned a Peabody Award, complemented by two Thomas Alva Edison Foundation National Media Awards. Despite being seven years above the standard age limit, he qualified as an astronaut in 1967. He was designated for the crew of Apollo 25, though he never flew to the moon due to the termination of the Apollo program following the 1972 Apollo 17 mission.
Financial Exploits and Diverse Interests
Before his formal career matured, Hibbs and Roy Walford exploited statistical biases in roulette wheels at Reno and Las Vegas casinos in 1947. Their profits funded a year of sailing across the Caribbean. Later in life, Hibbs engaged in kinetic sculpture and contributed to the theoretical development of medical nanorobotics, suggesting to Feynman that repair machines might one day operate inside the human body. He served on the Biosphere 2 project review committee and the Eyes on Earth Board of Directors.
Fast facts
- Born: 1924, Akron
- Died: 2003, Pasadena
- Education: California Institute of Technology, University of Chicago
- Notable Publication: Quantum Mechanics and Path Integrals (1965)
- Professional Affiliation: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- Awards: Peabody Award, NASA Exceptional Service Medal
- Spacecraft Association: Explorer 1, Apollo 25
- Asteroid Designation: 2441 Hibbs
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of Hibbs' work with Richard Feynman?
They collaborated on the influential textbook Quantum Mechanics and Path Integrals and discussed early theoretical concepts regarding miniaturized medical repair machines.
Why was Hibbs called the Voice of JPL?
He earned the title by producing and hosting radio and television programs that explained complex space exploration missions and scientific developments to the general public.
Achievements
- Held posts at Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- Fields: mathematics, physics and quantum mechanics
