Commanding the International Space Station’s Expedition 21 mission in 2009, Frank De Winne became the first astronaut from the European Space Agency to hold such a position. His career bridge spans high-stakes military aviation as a test pilot and senior aerospace engineering roles, marking him as a pivotal figure in European space exploration and flight safety development.
Military Foundations and Aviation Expertise
Born in 1961 in Ghent, De Winne graduated from the Royal Military Academy in 1984 with a Master of Science in Engineering. He developed extensive pilot credentials, accumulating over 2,300 flying hours in aircraft including the Mirage 5, F-16, Tornado, and Jaguar. His expertise earned him the McKenna Trophy at the British Empire Test Pilots' School in 1992. In 1997, he demonstrated technical control by landing a crippled F-16 at Leeuwarden air base, an act recognized with the Joe Bill Dryden Semper Viper Award.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Transition to Astronautics
Selected by the European Space Agency in 1998, De Winne joined the European Astronaut Corps based in Cologne. He provided technical support for the X38 Crew Return Vehicle project before training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Center. His inaugural flight occurred in 2002 aboard Soyuz TMA-1, where he executed a program of 23 scientific experiments. He subsequently served as a backup for ISS Expedition 16.
Commanding Expedition 21
De Winne’s command of Expedition 21 marked a milestone for the European Space Agency. He launched to the station on May 27, 2009, aboard Soyuz TMA-15. During his tenure, he became the first ESA astronaut to serve as station commander. His mission involvement included unique public outreach, appearing via pre-recorded video segments during the U2 360° Tour to recite lyrics from the International Space Station.
Professional Honors
Throughout his service, De Winne has received numerous accolades, including the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal and the NASA Space Flight Medal. His academic contributions are reflected in honorary doctorates from the University of Liège, Hasselt University, and the University of Antwerp. He was also awarded the Gouden Penning in 2010 and the Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
Fast facts
- Born: 1961, Ghent, Belgium
- Military Rank: Brigadier General
- ISS Expedition 21 Commander: 2009
- Education: Royal Military Academy
- NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal: 2009
- Member of: Expedition 21
- Occupation: Astronaut, engineer, military personnel
Questions readers ask
What was Frank De Winne's military background?
He was a test pilot for the Belgian Air Component and served as a brigadier general with over 2,300 flight hours.
Did Frank De Winne serve as a commander on the ISS?
Yes, he was the commander of ISS Expedition 21 in 2009, the first ESA astronaut to hold that role.
Achievements
- Educated at Royal Military Academy
- Worked as astronaut, engineer and military personnel
