Zagreb, 8 June 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we inform the public that Prof. Dr. Slobodan Danko Bosanac, President of the Adriatic Aerospace Association (A3), an eminent Croatian scientist, professor, and one of the most prominent advocates for the development of space technologies and space activities in the Republic of Croatia, has passed away at the age of 81.

Prof. Dr. Bosanac graduated in theoretical physics from the University of Zagreb in 1968, and earned his doctorate in theoretical physics with applications to molecular sciences in 1972 at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. After postdoctoral training at the University of Bristol, he continued his scientific career at the Ruđer Bošković Institute in Zagreb, where he worked for decades as a researcher and scientist of international standing. During his career he was also a visiting professor at several distinguished universities.

His body of scientific work encompasses more than a hundred scientific papers and several books in the fields of atomic and molecular physics, electromagnetic interactions, and astrophysics. For his contribution to science, he was awarded two State Science Awards of the Republic of Croatia, in 1997 and 2013.

In addition to his exceptional scientific career, Prof. Dr. Bosanac will be remembered as one of the pioneers of modern Croatian space initiatives. In recent years he led the Adriatic Aerospace Association (A3), bringing together scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and institutions with the goal of developing the Croatian space sector and more strongly integrating the Republic of Croatia into European and international space programs.

Under his leadership, A3 became one of the key organizations for promoting space science and technology in Croatia, participating in initiatives aimed at developing domestic satellite projects, international cooperation, and the education of new generations of experts. He was particularly committed to building Croatian capacity in the field of space technologies and to connecting the academic community, industry, and state institutions.

With the passing of Prof. Dr. Slobodan Danko Bosanac, Croatia has lost a top-tier scientist, visionary, and dedicated advocate of scientific and technological development. His contribution to Croatian science and to the development of the space sector will remain permanently inscribed in the history of the domestic scientific community.

The final farewell will be held at the Crematorium at Mirogoj, in the Great Hall, on Thursday, 11 June, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Adriatic Aerospace Association (A3)