Firouz Naderi, Pioneering NASA Scientist and Advocate for Human Rights in Iran, Dies at 77

Firouz Naderi, an Iranian American scientist, led NASA's Mars exploration program for over a decade, overseeing multiple successful missions to Mars.
Naderi served as an inspiration to Iranians and Iranian Americans, representing a source of national pride through his accomplishments.
He received NASA's highest award, the Distinguished Service Medal, for his work advancing space exploration.
An asteroid was named in Naderi's honor upon his retirement from NASA in 2016.
Naderi was also an outspoken advocate for human rights and democracy in Iran throughout his life.