Professor Piotr Wolański, a pioneer in Poland’s space sector, passes away at 81, leaving an enduring legacy in space technology.
Renowned in the global space community, Professor Piotr Wolański, an esteemed figure in Poland’s space sector, has passed away at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. Professor Wolański made significant contributions as a researcher, academic, and engineer, leaving an indelible mark on the field of space technology.
Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Wolański played pivotal roles at Warsaw University of Technology, serving as the dean of the Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering and as the vice-rector of the university. His passion for space led him to found and mentor the Warsaw University of Technology Astronautics Student Association, which successfully built two Earth satellites, PW-Sat and Pw-Sat2, and initiated projects involving rockets and Mars rovers.
Notably, Professor Wolański’s expertise paved the way for Poland’s involvement in the European Space Agency (ESA) and the establishment of the Polish Space Agency. He championed the development of eco-friendly propulsion systems, rotating detonation engines, and small launch vehicles when these areas were still nascent in the global space industry.
His groundbreaking research in rocket propulsion and dust explosion prevention left a lasting legacy. Professor Wolański’s vision encompassed various areas, from mitigating space debris to developing reusable rockets and utilizing liquid methane as rocket fuel.
His passing marks the end of an era for Poland’s space sector. Professor Piotr Wolański will be remembered for his profound contributions to space exploration and his dedication to advancing science and technology on a global scale.