Marcello Onofri passes away

We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of our colleague Marcello Onofri, on October 30, 2024, at the age of 75. Born on December 19, 1948, Marcello Onofri was an eminent figure in aerospace research, whose influence and expertise in propulsion marked several decades of technological and scientific developments in the space sector.

Full Professor of Aerospace Propulsion at the University of Rome “La Sapienza” since 1999, Marcello Onofri taught the “Space Propulsion” course. His academic career has been rich in responsibilities and major contributions. Between 2008 and 2017, he chaired and directed the “CRAS – Centro Ricerca Aerospaziale Sapienza”, the largest interdisciplinary aerospace research center in Europe, located within the Roman university. This research center has been the site of numerous innovative projects and technological advances, reinforcing Italy’s influence in the aerospace field.

A visionary, Marcello Onofri also co-founded, with Carlo Buongiorno, the specialized Master’s program in “Space Transportation Systems” (STS), aimed at engineering students. This program, created in 2002 and now in its 17th year, has trained systems engineers who have become essential to the development of the European VEGA project. The Master has been supported by a number of prestigious organizations, including ESA, CNES, ASI, Airbus and Arianespace, as well as most of the Italian space industry. More recently, in 2017, in collaboration with Jean-Jacques Dordain, he launched the “ASTRI” program, which has distinguished itself as one of the most innovative in advanced training.

A corresponding member of the Académie de l’air et de l’espace since 2016, he was promoted to full member in 2020, sitting in Section 2. His academic and scientific commitment has also earned him international recognition. He has published over 120 scientific papers in leading journals and contributed to several reference books, including Combustion Theory and Shock Fitting. His research work is widely recognized and continues to influence current generations of researchers and engineers.

The Académie de l’air et de l’espace, and the international scientific community, have lost a pillar of aerospace engineering research and education. His commitment and expertise had a lasting impact on Europe’s space sector, and his legacy continues to inspire many young researchers and engineers.

A tribute will be paid to him at a future session.