ESA's first three astronauts

ESA's first three astronauts were selected in 1978. From left to right, Claude Nicollier (CH), Wubbo Ockels (NL) and Ulf Merbold (DE).

Ulf Merbold was the first to fly in 1983 with STS-9 and Wubbo Ockels flew two years later on STS-61A. Claude Nicollier, who had to wait 14 years to experience his first flight with STS-46 in 1992.