Michael Kenneth Kiya
Nov. 23, 1944-May 20, 2024
Mountain View, California
MICHAEL KENNETH KIYA Michael Kenneth “Mike” Kiya’s spirit joined the Lord at the age of 79 after a brief and sudden battle with pancreatic cancer. Mike was a devout Christian and served as a beacon of light, humor and support for his family and many friends. His unflinching kindness, generosity and friendship touched the lives and hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. Mike led an interesting and amazing life growing up a military brat, graduating from Texas A&M as a cadet with a degree in Aerospace Engineering then joining the United States Air Force where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He also received his MBA from the University of Dayton.
Upon completing his service, Mike worked in NASA at the Ames Research Center where because he had extensive experience in the Air Force with Forward Looking Infrared Detectors (FLIRs), he was assigned to the InfraRed Astronomical Satellite (IRAS), a joint Dutch/British/American project with the goal of performing the first all sky survey in the Infrared Spectrum. The satellite would fly superfluid Helium, to cool the detectors and telescope, for the first time in space. Mike played a key role in shepherding the development of the detectors and development of a test apparatus to calibrate the detectors. Mike then joined the SIRTF project which was an Infrared telescope that was initially planned to fly in the Space Shuttle bay. This project later evolved to the highly successful Spitzer Telescope. Mike also led the initial studies of a Large Deployable Telescope (LDR) which proposed to use technology which laid the groundwork for the current Webb Space Telescope. Mike moved on to start his own consulting firm based in Washington, DC.
Mike’s journey through life took him all over the U.S. and the globe. He shared his many experiences through his remarkable storytelling and uncanny ability to recall every detail going back to his high school days. Mike had an encyclopedic knowledge on an endless array of subjects: religion, history, sports, art, politics, space, cars, and on and on. But, one thing stood out above all else - his love of music. He sent out an email almost daily in which he described his personal experience attending a concert, usually with his late brother Nick, or a dear friend, along with obscure facts about the band, songs, musicians and venue. Talking with Mike was always an education and a treat as he was also hilarious. A recent discussion he had with one of his dear friends involved the hereafter and music, where they both agreed with the song, Let the Mystery Be. Mike has solved the mystery. Mike treasured his friends and family.
Tags: veteran