Dear Howard University Community,

I regret to inform you of the recent passing of Dr. Peter Bainum, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Aerospace Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering.  Dr. Bainum consulted for NASA and other aerospace organizations with a specialization in spacecraft attitude dynamics and control. He was previously with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab as a Senior Engineer and Consultant; a Staff Engineer with the IBM Federal Systems Division; and a Senior Engineer with Martin Marietta Corporation. Dr. Bainum received a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Texas A&M, a Master of Science degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT, and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Catholic University. He then completed a NASA/ASEE Faculty Fellowship.

A respected scientist, and distinguished educator, Dr. Bainum received numerous awards including; the SAE Teetor Award for Engineering Educators, Outstanding Faculty Award from the Howard University Graduate School, the American Astronautical Society (AAS) Dirk Brouwer Award, the Spark M. Matsunaga Memorial Award for International Cooperation in Space, and the IAF Malina Award for Outstanding Contributions to Space Education.  Dr. Bainum served as a Fellow of the AAS, of the American Astronautical Society, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the American Association for the Advancement of Science,of the British Interplanetary Society and was an Honorary Member of the Japanese Rocket Society.

The impact and legacy of Dr. Bainum’s contributions to Howard University and the aerospace community will not be forgotten.  The Department of Mechanical Engineering will conduct a ceremony in honor of Dr. Bainum at a time to be scheduled in the future.  Please keep the Bainum Family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Excellence in Truth and Service,

Wayne A. I. Frederick, MD, MBA
President