Professor Cruise leaves behind a remarkable legacy in space science thanks to his pioneering work on gravitational-wave detection, contributing to the development of space-based interferometry and helping to lay the groundwork for missions such as LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna).

Between 2023 and 2024, Prof. Cruise served as co-Chair of the Science Redefinition Team for NewAthena. His characteristic clarity, rigour, collaborative spirit, scientific vision and leadership steered the efforts to reshape the mission’s scientific priorities, ensuring the NewAthena retained and strengthened its role as the flagship X-ray observatory in ESA’s Science Program. His 2025 Nature Astronomy paper is the most updated synoptic reference for the science case of NewAthena. Thanks to a unique combination of passion for science, sharp judgment, profound wisdom, subtle irony (and self-irony), generosity, humility, and deep understanding of reality and of the opportunities it offers to bring advancement and progress to humankind. Prof. Cruise was a guide and an inspiration during the most difficult phases of the NewAthena Study. He will be sorely missed. 

The NewAthena science community expresses their deepest condolences to Prof. Cruise’s family and friends.