A British NASA scientist and wingsuit champion died in a base jumping accident in Saudi Arabia years after starting a project to make the sport safer.

Astronautical engineer Dr Angelo Grubisic, 38, lost his life while taking part in a planned jump in the Middle Eastern country on Tuesday, weeks after he was crowned a wingsuit champion by the British Parachute Association.

The 'phenomenally talented' scientist had led a wingsuit design team at the University of Southampton where he lectured in astronautics and advanced propulsion.

He had previously worked on spacecraft propulsion for the European Space Agency and NASA - and in 2015 he set up the 'Icarus Project' which sought to design a world-record breaking wingsuit while improving safety.

In 2015 Dr Angelo Grubisic set up the 'Icarus Project' which sought to design a world-record breaking wingsuit while improving safety

The 'phenomenally talented' scientist had previously worked on spacecraft propulsion for the European Space Agency and NASA

In a statement to the BBC, his family said: 'Angelo lost his life doing what he loved the most, wingsuit base jumping, and we want to ensure his achievements and ambitions are known to the world and to celebrate the mark he made on all of our lives.

'Angelo captivated the hearts and minds of every single person who was privileged to meet and work with him.

'''The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long'' has never rang more true to the family and friends Angelo had across the world.'

Dr Grubisic was coordinator of The Icarus Wingsuit Project, which says it aims to 'progress human flight by developing a new wingsuit using state of the art computational analysis, experimental aerodynamics and testing'.

The project also sought to educate wingsuit pilots on aerodynamics to maintain safety in the sport.

Dr Grubisic was a specialist in selective laser melting as applied to additive manufacturing

The engineer lost his life while taking part in a planned jump in the Middle Eastern country on Tuesday

The project's 'long term objectives' included inspiring students to consider careers in science and engineering, and to provide a 'unique learning experience' for students to become part of a team to represent their university at a national and international level.

Dr Grubisic also sought to 'make significant scientific advances in the subject of aerodynamics design and testing whilst pushing the boundaries of technical accomplishment in the field of wingsuits'.

The Icarus Project Dr Angelo Grubisic was coordinator of The Icarus Wingsuit Project, whise aims included progressing human flight by developing a new wingsuit using 'state of the art computational analysis, experimental aerodynamics and testing'. Dr Grubisic would use the project's social media accounts to upload footage of daring sky dives and base jumps using wingsuits. The project sought to educate wingsuit pilots on aerodynamics in order to maintain safety. Other long-term objectives of the project included inspiring students to consider a career in science and engineering and to 'provide a unique learning experience for students to become part of a dedicated team, representing the university at a national and international level'. Dr Grubisic's Icarus Project also had ambitions to make 'significant scientific advances in the subject of aerodynamics design' and push the boundaries of technical accomplishment in the field of wingsuits. It also sought to engage the public and showcase the university research outputs. Advertisement

One former student, Nathan Vosper, paid tribute to Dr Grubisic, saying: 'Incredibly sad news that one of my favourite lecturers when I studied at @unisouthampton, @AngeloGrubisic has passed away.

'A fantastic lecturer & inspiration for us all. A real life rocketman. Fly easy up there.

'As he said, ''If you're not doing what you love, you're the crazy one''. '

Another student said: 'He had a particular style to motivate his students and his knowledge about electric propulsion was awesome as well! So sad.'

A third said: 'Angelo was a favourite amongst nearly all aerospace students in Southampton.

'Fly peacefully Dr Grubisic, the knowledge you imparted has been invaluable and will continue to be.'

Dr Grubisic was a specialist in selective laser melting as applied to additive manufacturing.

He joined the Astronautics group at the University of Southampton in 2013 after working as a consultant AIT and Systems Engineer for QinetiQ.

In January this year he had given evidence into the death of fellow wing suit jumper Rob Haggarty, from Andover, Hampshire, who died from multiple head and chest injuries after he failed to clear a cliff ledge on a 8,000 ft high Italian mountain.

Southampton Formula Student Team paid tribute to the lecturer, writing: 'The whole team would like to pass on their condolences to the friends and family of @AngeloGrubisic.

'You were an amazing lecturer, and an inspiration to us all. Fly high Angelo.'

A University of Southampton spokesman told MailOnline:

'We are extremely saddened and shocked by the death of Angelo and our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time.

'Angelo made many pioneering contributions to the University's research into astronautics and was incredibly popular with his students and colleagues.

'We will remain in contact with his family and are supporting staff and students affected.'