The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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ESA Payload Specialist Dirk Frimout was the first Belgian in space when he flew on the Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-45, on the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science 1 (ATLAS-1) mission in March 1992. He spent nearly 9 days in space with fellow crew members Charles Bolden, Brian Duffy, Byron Lichtenberg, Michael Foale, David Leestma and Kathryn Sullivan.
Designed by the crew, the STS-45 patch depicts the Space Shuttle launching from the Kennedy Space Center into a high inclination orbit. From here, the ATLAS payload can view Earth, the Sun, and their dynamic interactions - the focus of the mission's space plasma physics and Earth sciences observations. Along with the crew names, the additional star in the ring is to recognise Charles Chappell and Michael Lampton, back-up payload specialists, and the ATLAS-1 team for its dedication and support of this mission.