Deputy Director and Chief Engineer, Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI)
Prof. Jean Pitot
Prof Jean Pitot
Prof Jean Pitot is the co-founder, deputy director and chief engineer of the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI), in Durban, South Africa and an associate professor at the University's Discipline of Mechanical Engineering. ASRI's fundamental mission, and Jean's driving passion, is to develop a sovereign space launch capability for South Africa and the African continent at large. As ASRI’s chief engineer, he oversees and directs all technical and R&D work conducted by ASRI’s engineering staff. Jean holds a PhD from Stellenbosch University, and bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of KwaZulu-Natal; all in mechanical engineering. He is a Fulbright scholar and a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Royal Aeronautical Society.
