Claudio Maccone – Obituary, 1948-2025

The Moon Village Association (MVA) joins the international space community in sorrow for the passing of Dr. Claudio Maccone, who left us on August 20, 2025, in Turin.

Dr. Maccone was a distinguished scientist and visionary whose pioneering work in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and space exploration has left a lasting mark on the global scientific landscape. His groundbreaking contributions, including the introduction of the Karhunen–Loève Transform for signal analysis and the extension of the Drake Equation into the field of statistics, continue to shape the way humanity listens to the cosmos.

A tireless advocate for the preservation of the Moon’s Farside as a protected “radio-quiet zone,” Dr. Maccone championed its unique role as a natural laboratory for radio astronomy. Dr. Maccone sought the promotion of this vision also from within the Moon Village Association, which he was a member of and which aims to foster international collaboration in the exploration and settlement of the Moon.

In recognition of his leadership and dedication, Dr. Maccone held key roles within the International Academy of Astronautics, including Chair of the IAA SETI Permanent Committee and Director for Scientific Space Exploration. His guidance, wisdom, and courage inspired generations of scientists and secured SETI’s place in modern space science.

Dr. Maccone’s legacy endures not only in his extensive scientific publications and influential books, but also in the mentorship and generosity he offered to colleagues around the world. His absence will be deeply felt, yet his vision will continue to guide efforts to protect and explore the Moon and the wider universe.