Arthur Mansfield, 60; Radar Expert at NASA

Arthur Wright Mansfield, who directed an experimental program at NASA using advanced radar technology for search-and-rescue missions, died of cancer Nov. 6. He was 60.

Mansfield, a Rockville, Md., resident, specialized in radar processing algorithms for synthetic aperture radar, known as SAR. The high-resolution radar is used for reconnaissance and can measure elevation with a high level of accuracy.

Mansfield, who had worked in the field since the 1970s, published more than 20 papers and acquired three patents in the technology.

He was born in Honolulu, where his father was stationed in the Navy. He studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology but left after three years to establish a technical firm. He served in the Army in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.

Mansfield resumed his studies at the University of Maryland, where he graduated with high honors and went on to receive a master’s degree and doctorate, both in applied mathematics.

He began his 25-year association with NASA in 1976, when he joined Computer Sciences Corp. as a technical manager on a project for the space agency’s information-processing division.

In 1983, he became a project manager at EG&G; Washington Analytical Services Center for the creation of transportable satellite ranging systems. Two years later, he joined Science Applications International Corp. to direct remote-sensing projects.

After he went to work directly for NASA in 1995, Mansfield’s projects included design of a satellite-based radar system, establishment of detection techniques for locating crashed aircraft and work on advanced methods for generating digital terrain elevation maps.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Buchanan Mansfield of Rockville, and three stepchildren.