2025 Volume 3 Article ID: 238
Kojiro Suzuki was Professor in the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (GSFS) at The University of Tokyo, and served as General Chairperson of the 35th International Symposium on Space Technology and Science (ISTS). He passed away suddenly in December 2024, at the young age of 62. A special session was held in his memory at the 35th ISTS, on July 14, 2025 in Tokushima, Japan. Professor Suzuki’s research career can be described in three words: flow, space, and freedom. As a world-leading fluid dynamicist, Prof. Suzuki made significant contributions to the study of hypersonic high-enthalpy flows and gas dynamics. As an aerospace systems engineer, he pioneered new concepts for easier space exploration and transportation. As a colleague, supervisor, and mentor, he devoted himself deeply and gently to nurturing the dreams and creativity of those around him, bridging between countries, backgrounds, and fields. This article brings together reflections on the life and career of a remarkable scientist, engineer, and human being, based on discussions held in preparation for, during, and after the memorial session at the ISTS.
