In Memoriam - Dr. Allan Joseph Steed

Former Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory Director and USU alumnus Allan J. Steed passed away on Friday, March 5. An “Aggie” through and through, Steed served his entire career as a leader in the rapidly evolving space technology industry.

After joining the staff of USU’s Electro Dynamics Laboratory (EDL) in 1964, Steed worked on many high-level projects, including developing and supporting instruments that flew on an Air Force KC-135 flying laboratory, building visible and infrared remote sensing instruments used in ground-based observations, and launching high-atmosphere sounding rockets to perform atmospheric and space research. Steed’s leadership on these projects led to his becoming director of EDL in 1978. In 1982, he was named director of USU’s Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) when SDL was created from a merger of EDL and USU’s Space Measurement Lab.

In 1988, SDL was transitioned from USU’s College of Engineering to the USU Research Foundation. After the transition, Steed also served as director of SDL’s Systems Division, which produced major instruments for the space shuttle and satellites. In 1996, Steed was appointed CEO of the USU Research Foundation. He later chose to concentrate solely on his role at SDL, where he guided the Lab’s evolution from a small university laboratory to its present-day position as a world leader in the space industry known for developing revolutionary solutions. During this time, Steed led a staff of more than 330 professionals and technical experts with an overall responsibility for 43 space research programs funded by 31 government and commercial customers. He retired in 2003 after more than 25 years of leadership.

“Under Allan’s leadership, SDL evolved from a small research laboratory within USU’s College of Engineering to a national asset, providing the Department of Defense and NASA with advanced technologies that enabled the growth of both SDL’s reputation and size,” said H. Scott Hinton, president of SDL. “A mentor to many, Allan combined a gentle leadership style with strong technical expertise, which set SDL’s trajectory to become what it is today. He was a remarkable man and will be missed by the entire SDL family.”

A champion of student and faculty involvement in SDL’s programs, Steed served on graduate committees and taught graduate-level optics and space engineering courses in USU’s College of Engineering. He included student support funding in SDL budgets, providing not only financial support but also hands-on experience for nearly 100 students every year, a policy that continues to this day.

Among Steed’s many accolades are the Utah Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology, 2017 USU Distinguished Alumnus Award, USU’s D. Wynne Thorne Research Award, USU Faculty Researcher of the Year, and the USU Leone Leadership Award. After his retirement, Steed continued to serve the university as a consultant, board member, and endowed scholarship provider. In 2016, he was the commencement speaker for USU’s College of Engineering ceremony.

Steed earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in electrical engineering from USU.

We offer our condolences to his wife Kaye, their family, and all those who Steed taught, mentored, and led.