18/08/2026
Dr. Marius-Ioan Piso (1954–2026)
The Romanian and international scientific community has lost one of the key figures who shaped the nation’s space sector. Dr. Marius-Ioan Piso was a physicist, researcher, and the founder of the Romanian Space Agency (ROSA), leading the organization for nearly two decades and establishing Romania as a respected partner within the global aerospace community.
After graduating in Physics from Babeș-Bolyai University and earning a PhD in Physics, he devoted his career to advancing space science, aerospace technologies, and research infrastructure. His leadership played a decisive role in Romania’s accession to the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2011, opening new opportunities for national research institutes, universities, and high-tech industries.
Internationally, Dr. Piso served in prominent leadership positions within the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and represented the scientific community in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS). Throughout his career, he championed international collaboration and the peaceful application of space technologies for the benefit of society.
Beyond his institutional achievements, he inspired generations of scientists and engineers through his commitment to excellence, innovation, and education. His legacy lives on in the partnerships he built, the programs he initiated, and the enduring vision he created for Romania’s future in space exploration.