Luigi G. Napolitano

Luigi G. Napolitano
Napolitano in 1974
Born
Luigi Gerardo Napolitano

(1928-06-02)June 2, 1928
DiedJuly 23, 1991(1991-07-23) (aged 63)
SpouseLiliana Boccolini
Academic background
Education
ThesisTheoretical and experimental investigations in the mixing of two homogeneous streams (1955)
Doctoral advisorAntonio Ferri
Academic work
Main interests

Luigi Gerardo Napolitano (Italian pronunciation: [luˈiːdʒi dʒeˈrardo napoliˈtaːno]; 2 June 1928 – 23 July 1991) was an Italian aerospace engineer and fluid dynamicist. He designed Spacelab fluid dynamics experiments on the Space Shuttle program and helped establish the European Low Gravity Research Association in 1979.

Napolitano was president of the International Astronautical Federation twice between 1966 and 1974. He lobbied for the establishment of the Italian Aerospace Research Centre and served as its first president for three weeks until his death.

In 1993, the International Astronautical Congress established the Luigi G. Napolitano Award in his honor.