On Tuesday 4th September 2012, the head of the Center for Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) at the University of Bremen, Professor Hans J. Rath, passed away following a short but severe illness. He was 65. The University of Bremen and the ZARM center are now mourning the institute founder. The thoughts of members of the ZARM staff, friends and former colleagues are with his wife and family.

An inquiring mind and a zest for action prompted Hans J. Rath to found the ZARM some 27 years ago, and a short while later to build the drop tower in Bremen. These characteristics never waned. Until quite recently, he focused his seemingly inexhaustible energy on conceiving a second drop tower project. Spurred on by his memory, the team he leaves behind will now do everything in their power to pursue this vision. Hans J. Rath will be remembered not only as a scientist, research manager, artist, inventor of the drop-tower, and for his vision of Bremen as a hub for space research, but above all also as an institute leader who maintained respectful and friendly relationships with his co-workers. His receptiveness, joviality, and unconventional manner permeated the working atmosphere at ZARM and the whole institute culture.

You can find out about the life history and view photos of Hans Rath on the ZARM homepage (www.zarm.uni-bremen.de) under “press releases”.

For more information, please contact:
Birgit Kinkeldey
Leiterin Kommunikation
Zentrum für angewandte Raumfahrttechnologie und Mikrogravitation (ZARM) der Universität Bremen
Phone: +49 421 218-57755
e-mail: birgit.kinkeldeyprotect me ?!zarm.uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de