Former BIS leader Leslie Shepherd (1918-2012)

It is with great sadness that the British Interplanetary Society (BIS) reports the death of Dr. Leslie Shepherd, a stalwart of post-War BIS reconstitution, Chairman, President and a founder of the International Astronautical Federation.

A nuclear physicist by qualification and profession, Dr. Shepherd was an influential co-founder of the post-World War 2 BIS and played a major role in the formation of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) in 1950, to which the BIS is the UK signatory.

At one time Technical Director of the BIS, Chairman and President, Les was an affable individual and had a highly engaging personality that did much to bridge the divide between the fraternity of professional scientists and engineers and the large number of enthusiasts and supporters keen to see the UK play its due role in the further advancement of astronautics.

Both Spaceflight and Odyssey will carry tributes to Dr. Shepherd and a review of his life, his achievements and accomplishments that ranged far and wide, from technologies supporting nuclear energy research to the preparation of space policy papers for HM Government.

The BIS extends heartfelt condolences to his wife and family and invites Members and Fellows to share their recollections of Les by sending an email to the BIS or by writing a letter to: Executive Secretary Suszann Parry, British Interplanetary Society, 27/29 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1SZ.