About Brian O'Brien
Lived 1934 – 2020 (aged 86). Brian O'Brien was an Australian space scientist and physicist.
Brian John O'Brien (27 February 1934 – 7 August 2020) was an Australian physicist and space scientist. He is best known for his "research into lunar dust and the challenges it presents for exploration of the Moon." He "highlighted how hazardous it was for astronauts and their equipment." Five experiments designed by him were placed on the Moon by the Apollo 11 Mission. One measured radiation, the others were concerned with Moon dust.
After studying physics at Sydney University, O'Brien worked as a physicist in Antarctica. There he saw the aurora australis, which led to his space career.
O'Brien was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (FTSE)
O'Brien was posthumously made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2021 Australia Day Honours.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Brian O'Brien?
Australian space scientist
When was Brian O'Brien born?
Brian O'Brien was born on 27 February 1934 in Sydney.
When did Brian O'Brien die?
Brian O'Brien died on 7 August 2020.
What was Brian O'Brien's occupation?
Brian O'Brien was a space scientist and physicist.
What nationality was Brian O'Brien?
Brian O'Brien was Australian.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Brian O'Brien (space scientist)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Brian O'Brien. https://biography.guide/brian-o-brien-space-scientist/
MLA: "Brian O'Brien." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/brian-o-brien-space-scientist/.
Chicago: "Brian O'Brien." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/brian-o-brien-space-scientist/.
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