In memory: Karel Wakker

On Friday, 30 May 30 2025, Professor Karel Wakker passed away at the age of 81. Prof. Wakker was Professor Emeritus of Space Technology, Professor Emeritus of Astrodynamics and Geodynamics and former Rector Magnificus of Delft University of Technology. “Karel Wakker was the founder of space engineering at TU Delft,” says Professor Pieter Visser, who now holds his chair.

Prof. Karel F. Wakker (1944) graduated cum laude in December 1967 as an Aerospace Engineer from the Department of Aeronautical Engineering. After graduation, he joined TH Delft as a member of the faculty. In 1973, he specialised in precise satellite orbit computations and the application of the computated orbits and of measurements obtained by instruments on board satellites, for geodetic, geophysical and oceanographic research.

In August 1985, he was appointed Professor of Space Technology at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. Pieter Visser: “Karel has been the initiator of, and he has created the conditions for, what has now become a complete space department, including great facilities and laboratories. Space engineering will only become more important and grow further. We owe an awful lot to Karel and are proud of him.”

From September 1993 to January 2002, Karel Wakker served the university as Rector Magnificus. After that he was appointed general director of SRON, remaining part-time at the faculties of Aerospace Engineering and Civil Engineering and Geosciences as Professor of Astrodynamics and Geodynamics.

Karel Wakker retired in February 2009 but remained a part-time professor at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering until 2024. Prof. Wakker is Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion. In 2011, the International Astronomical Union named an asteroid (1152 T-2) after him.

Pieter Visser still regularly exchanged views with Karel Wakker until 2024: “He was my first boss, promoter and also mentor in all the steps I was given the opportunity to take in my career. He was a role model for me. Thanks to him and the environment he created, I have achieved so much more than I could have dreamed of.”

We wish Karel Wakker’s children, grandchildren and next of kin much strength with their loss.