Prof. Pierre Rochus passes away

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Professor Pierre ROCHUS on February 20, 2025.

Born on December 21, 1950 in Herstal (Belgium), Professor Pierre ROCHUS was a well-known figure in the aerospace world. Elected correspondent to the Académie in 2013, then full member in 2017, he took part in the work of Section I.

Over the course of his career, he has held a number of leading positions, including nuclear physics researcher at the University of Liège, research engineer at FN Moteurs (now TechSpace Aero SAFRAN), then deputy general manager at the Centre Spatial de Liège (CSL). He also taught at HEC Liège and continued his scientific involvement as a senior consultant, honorary professor at the University of Liège and visiting professor at KUL.

His expertise and leadership have led him to chair the Scientific Council of the Royal Observatory of Belgium and to sit on the ESA Space Weather Board.

The Académie de l’Air et de l’Espace would like to express its deepest condolences to his family and friends, and to all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. His dedication and visionary spirit will continue to inspire future generations.

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