Belgian royals visit European Astronaut Centre

Their Majesties Albert II King of the Belgians and Queen Paola visited the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, on 19 March 2009. At EAC they met ESA astronaut Frank De Winne, who is currently training for his upcoming long-duration mission to the International Space Station. ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain presented the Agency’s activities and Belgium’s contribution in particular.

Also present for the royal visit were Sabine Laruelle, Belgian Federal Minister of Science Policy, Pieter De Crem, Belgian Minister of Defence, Simonetta Di Pippo, ESA Director of Human Spaceflight, Michel Tognini, Head of EAC and ESA astronaut, and Johann-Dietrich Wörner, Chairman of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) Executive Board.