The following statement was issued today by Cornell President, David J. Skorton upon learning of the death of his friend and former colleague James A. Van Allen, a longtime University of Iowa professor of physics and astronomy. A leader in space exploration who discovered the radiation belts surrounding the Earth, Van Allen died Aug. 9 in Iowa City at the age of 91. Before assuming the presidency at Cornell in July, Skorton was president of the University of Iowa.

"James Van Allen was an authentic American whose legacy belongs to the ages. From space to the classroom, Dr. Van Allen gave of himself to his friends, to his students and to his colleagues in so many ways. From the moment he burst onto the world scene with the Explorer mission in 1958, Van Allen helped his countrymen take their first strides into space. Van Allen's Explorer 1, which weighed just 31 pounds, captured our collective imagination and spawned a space journey that defined our era.

"In addition to his inspired scholarship and scientific leadership, Van Allen was a genuine person who brought so much pleasure to so many in his cherished University of Iowa community and to his colleagues in astronomy and space science around the world. Personally, Jim was a friend who touched my family and me in a way than can never be replicated. We will miss him deeply even as we pursue the journey he propelled with such confidence. We send our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues everywhere."