TRIBUTES have been paid to a Southampton space scientist who died in a base jumping accident last month.

Dr Angelo Grubisic, 38, was a spacecraft engineer who taught astronautics and advanced propulsion at the University of Southampton.

Dr Grubisic was in Saudi Arabia taking part in a planned wingsuit base jump when he was killed on August 20.

The Southampton lecturer had experience in the field of extreme sport and was crowned a British wingsuit champion in July.

Dr Grubisic had been leading a group of three on an eight day trip to find new places for base jumping.

He was killed in the region of Al-Soudah, according to the Extreme Sports Company, which had worked with the scientist.

Yesterday, staff at the University paid tribute to him and the University's flag was flown at half-mast.

Staff members gathered at 12.15pm at the Diamond Jubilee Plaza to remember him.

The University of Southampton said it was “extremely shocked and saddened” by his death, adding that he was "incredibly popular" with his students and colleagues.

They added: “In his time with us, Angelo made many pioneering contributions to the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences’ research on astronautics."

His family released a statement following his tragic death saying that he “lost his life doing what he loved the most”.

They said he was "phenomenally talented" and want to make sure his "achievements and ambitions are known to the world".

They added that they wanted to celebrate the mark he had made on their lives and that Angelo "captivated the hearts and minds of every single person who was privileged to meet and work with him"

Dr Grubisic join the University of Southampton in 2013 and was a lecturer in Astronautics and Advanced Propulsion within Engineering and Physical Sciences.

He was also a specialist in the development and testing of advanced propulsion systems for spacecraft, and in selective laser melting.

During the last eight years, Dr Grubisic worked extensively with the European Space Agency and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the development of advanced propulsion technologies.