Franco Ongaro presented the PROBA satellite control centre

The King Philippe of Belgium visited the ESA establishment in Redu, Belgium, on 17 March 2015.

After a presentation by Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director General, of Redu activities that have increased and diversified over the last years, the King took guided tour around the installations, the only ESA site in Belgium, located amid the forests of the Belgian Ardennes.

ESA Director of Technical and Quality Management Franco Ongaro presented to the King the Belgian PROBA satellite control centre. The small Belgian-built Proba-1, Proba-2 and Proba-V satellites deliver Earth observation and solar-related data to scientists around the world.

At the end of the visit, ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain got official recognition from the King for his continuous efforts in promoting and supporting the Europe’s space interests and activities in his capacity as ESA Director General. He was awarded Grand Officer in the Order of the Crown by the King.