The European GNSS Agency (GSA) joins with the European space community in paying tribute to Per Tegnér, former chair of the GSA Administrative Board.

Per was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on 22 April 1944. He studied at the Stockholm School of Economics, where he obtained his Master’s Degree in Economics. After working for more than 25 years with the Swedish Ministry of Industry, he was appointed Director General of the Swedish National Space Board (now the Swedish National Space Agency) in 1998, a position he held until 2009. 

Per joined the GSA Administrative Board in 2006 and served as chair from November 2008 to June 2011, which was a pivotal time for the Agency. While serving as chair of the Administrative Board, he appointed Carlo des Dorides as the Agency’s executive director.

“With his vast experience, Per made a valuable contribution to the European GNSS Agency, bringing clear vision and strong leadership during its formative years. He was a key partner when I took over the position of executive director of the GSA, guiding me along the path the Agency needed to take. I’ll bring with me his gentle smile which was often more meaningful than many words. He will be sadly missed by all the GSA family,” des Dorides said.

“Per served as an inspiration to those who followed in his footsteps, thanks to his dedication and experience. The space community has lost a valued colleague and dear friend,” said current GSA Administrative Board Chair Jean-Yves Le Gall.

“In his role as Chair of the GSA Administrative Board Per Tegnér made a big contribution to making the two European flagship programmes EGNOS and Galileo work. He was a very kind man with an excellent ability to foster consensus even between the most diverging points of view. Per was an inspiration and a role model for me when I took over the post of Chair from him,” noted Sabine Dannelke, his successor in the role of AB Chair

Before joining the GSA, Per became a European Space Agency (ESA) Council delegate in June 1998, and then served as ESA Council chair from 2002 to 2005. He later served as vice-chair for two more years before returning as acting Council chair from 2007 to 2008.

Per will be sadly missed by all those who worked with him at the GSA.

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