However, the principal investigator for the Kepler mission was William J. Borucki, who played a crucial role in its conception, development, and launch. He is often considered the "father" of the Kepler mission.
Other key individuals involved in the Kepler mission include:
* Charles Sobeck, the project manager
* Dimitar Sasselov, the science principal investigator
* David Koch, the deputy project manager
* Steve Howell, the science lead
The Kepler mission was a collaborative effort involving many individuals and institutions, and its success is a testament to the collective efforts of all those involved.