In Memory of Professor Vladimír Kopal

Monday, February 10th, 2014

We are sad to report that Professor Vladimír Kopal passed away on 27 January 2014 at the age of 85.

He was Professor of International Law at the West Bohemian University in Pilsen, Czech Republic, he was Chairman of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. A brief biography can be found on the UN Office of Legal Affairs website.

Tanja Masson-Zwaan, President of IISL and ISPL Faculty member, writes, “Prof. Kopal was a co-founder and one of the pillars of the IISL, always deeply involved with our work, and also served many decades as legal counsel of our sister organisations, the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).

He was a pioneer of space law, and had an impressive career both in academics and in the UN, serving for many years as delegate of his country, as head of the Office for Outer Space Affairs, and twice as Chairman of the Legal Subcommittee of UNCOPUOS. 

Perhaps above all, he was an excellent teacher to students all over the world, and a true friend to many of us. 

 His death is a loss to the entire space community, and he will be missed by us all.”

 Professor Mosteshar, ISPL Director, adds, “He was one of the most courteous and interesting members of the community. His contributions to the field were many, and he always found time to speak with students and those new to the field.”

Professor Kopal’s funeral will take place on February 11th. An obituary has been posted on the IISL website. You may also send an email message to memoriam@iislweb.org. Messages will be added to an online register of condolences.