Named in honor of Yves Langevin (b. 1951), French planetary scientist at the Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, Orsay University. Langevin is an expert on the evolution of the surfaces of small solar system bodies, and has worked on characterizing planetary surface materials using IR spectrometry. As a member of the Space Science Advisory Committee of the European Space Agency, he has helped define international programs for planetary exploration. As director of the National Planetology Program he has played a crucial role in promoting and developing planetary science in France. Name suggested and citation prepared by M. A. Barucci and M. Fulchignoni.
