Charles John Lauer (Chuck) died unexpectedly on March 28, 2021 in his sleep with his dog by his side. He was the first of six children born to John and Phyllis Lauer on November 15, 1955 in Detroit, MI. In his earlier years, he was in Civil Air Patrol and the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) and he continued in SCA throughout his life, attending the Pennsic War for over 40 years. He had an eclectic mix of interests including cooking, archery, stargazing, photography, and space. He graduated with a BS in Architecture and Urban Planning from The University of Michigan and he continued his studies there with Masters courses in Space Architecture. He was savvy in business development with a career spanning from real estate development to the space sector. He was one of the founders of Rocketplane Global and Chief Business Development Officer of Spacebit and President of Spacebit North America.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Phyllis (Popma) Lauer; his father-in-law, John Person; and his brothers, Richard and Thomas Lauer. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Margaret (Marge) Lauer; his son, Matthew Lauer (partner Leeann Drees); his brothers, Kurt (Barb) Lauer and Mark (Laura) Lauer; his sister, Ann Lauer; his mother-in-law, Christine Person; his brothers-in-law, John Person, James (Cindy) Person, and Andrew Person; his sisters-in-law,Elizabeth (Edward) Goldberg, Kathleen Tighe, Victoria Bernadett, and Patricia Burke; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Chuck Lauer was truly one of a kind and irreplaceable.
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In Loving Memory of Charles (Chuck) Lauer
November 15, 1955 - March 28, 2021
To our colleagues and partners in Space,
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Charles (Chuck) Lauer, a true veteran of the Space sector, one of the founders of Rocketplane Global, instrumental in developing spaceports in North America, CBDO of Spacebit, President of Spacebit North America and member of the Board of Advisors of the Space Frontier Foundation. Chuck has been researching and developing potential business opportunities in space since 1991, and has published many general interest articles and technical papers on commercial space development.
Chuck will be greatly missed by all who knew and worked with him. He touched so many with his contagious energy and genuine interest in serving humankind and pushing the frontier of space. He dedicated his life to the development of reusable rocketplanes and enabling access to space. If anyone knew about space business parks or commercial lunar robotic exploration systems and lunar resource development business models, it was Chuck. Chuck was a graduate of the University of Michigan College of Architecture & Urban Planning; proud to have his roots in architecture and design, and had great aspirations of getting something ‘flown in space.’ Truly one of a kind; his legacy will live on.
Chuck’s family are asking for any donations to go to the American Heart Association (https://www2.heart.org/) in his name.
For anyone who would like to pass on a message to Chuck’s family please send to office@spacebit.com.
