Professor Cruise played a leading role in the development of the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission and was instrumental in strengthening the United Kingdom’s contribution to this landmark international endeavour. A distinguished scientist devoted to fundamental research, he made significant contributions to gravitational wave science and to the advancement of space instrumentation.
An accomplished educator and advocate of knowledge transfer, Professor Cruise authored the respected textbook The Principles of Space Instrument Design and mentored generations of students and researchers. Even after formally retiring from the University of Birmingham in 2012, he remained actively engaged with ESA, the RAS, the UK Space Agency, and the wider gravitational wave community.
He will be remembered not only for his scientific leadership but also for his kindness, thoughtfulness, and gentle sense of humour.
The LISA Consortium extends its sincere condolences to Professor Cruise’s family, friends, and colleagues. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.