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Ken Van Horn is a pioneering figure in astronomical instrumentation, best known for his transformative work on the Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT). His research centers on telescope design, adaptive optics, and the engineering of large-aperture optical systems. Van Horn’s major contribution lies in demonstrating how segmented-mirror technology—pioneered by the original MMT—could be scaled to enable the next generation of 8 to 10-meter class telescopes. His seminal paper, “The New MMT” (2004, 13 citations), details the conversion of the historic facility into a single 6.5-meter mirror, a project that validated key technologies now standard in observatories worldwide. Though modest in citation count, this work’s influence is profound, directly informing the design of instruments like the Large Binocular Telescope and the Giant Magellan Telescope. Van Horn’s legacy is one of quiet but essential innovation: he turned a bold 1970s experiment into a blueprint for modern astronomy. His achievements underscore the critical role of engineering in pushing the boundaries of cosmic discovery.