Dr. Martin C. Weisskopf, a pioneering physicist whose work helped shape modern X-ray astronomy, died on May 2, 2026, with his daughter at his side. He was 84.

Over a career spanning more than five decades, Dr. Weisskopf became widely respected within the scientific community for both his technical contributions and his leadership in advancing space-based X-ray astronomy. He served as Project Scientist for NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and as Chief Scientist for X-ray Astronomy at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. He was also the Principal Investigator for the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer, a mission that opened a new window on the high-energy universe.

He was born on April 21, 1942, to noted economist and professor Walter A. Weisskopf and his wife Gertrude Weisskopf (née Rosenfeld), who were both lawyers in Austria before emigrating to the United States during World War II; they both preceded him in death. He graduated magnacum laude with honors in physics from Oberlin College in 1964 and earned his Ph.D. in physics from Brandeis University in 1969 as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow.

He began his academic career at Columbia University, where he rose from Research Associate to Assistant Professor. During those years, he conducted pioneering experiments, including the first detection of X-ray polarization from the Crab Nebula using a sounding rocket. He also contributed to the development of high-resolution X-ray optics and played key roles in experiments aboard the OSO-8 satellite and in what would become the Einstein Observatory.

In 1977, Dr. Weisskopf joined NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, where he would leave a lasting institutional and scientific legacy. He founded the X-ray Astronomy Branch and later served as its Chief, guiding major programs and mentoring generations of scientists. His work advanced technologies that enabled the first focused images of astronomical objects in hard X-rays and supported research that significantly expanded the study of galaxy clusters and cosmic structure. Over the course of his career, Dr. Weisskopf authored or co-authored more than 360 scientific publications. He remained deeply engaged in scientific work throughout his career and beyond, continuing as a NASA Emeritus following his retirement in May 2022.

Outside of the laboratory, Dr. Weisskopf was an avid sports fan and had a deep love for music and art. He was a ferocious basketball player and a member of Mensa. He took particular pleasure in playing Scrabble and in reading. He was known not only for his intellect, but for his passion and strength of character—brilliant and exacting, he approached his work with intensity and conviction, earning the respect of colleagues and forming many lasting partnerships and friendships.

He was a member or fellow of numerous scientific organizations, including the American Astronomical Society, the American Physical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the International Astronomical Union. His work was recognized with many honors, including an honorary doctorate from Oberlin, NASA Medals for Exceptional Service and Scientific Achievement, the Bruno Rossi Prize (twice), and international recognition for his leadership in the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer mission.

He married Vera J. Hanfmann while they were both students at Oberlin; they were divorced after raising their children. He married Mary Ellen Prince in 1988, and was her steadfast and loving partner for the remainder of his life.

He is survived by Dr. Mary Ellen Weisskopf; his children, Antonia Weisskopf Reinhardt andAlexander Weisskopf; his stepchildren, Evan Prince and Caroline Prince; and his grandchildren,Katherine Baen, Maxim Weisskopf, Peyton Weisskopf, and Jackson Weisskopf.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that letters of support be directed to efforts sustaining NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, which has provided decades of critical data on high-energy cosmic phenomena including black holes, supernovae, and the large-scale structure of the universe. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date; further details will be provided.

Berryhill Funeral Home is assisting the family.