Space Shuttle mission STS-55 in 1993 marked the first flight of Hans Schlegel, a German physicist who served as a payload specialist. This mission utilized the German-sponsored Spacelab D-2 research module, highlighting his early transition from academic semiconductor research to the rigorous operational environment of orbital space flight under the German Aerospace Center.
Academic Foundation
Born in 1951 in Überlingen, Schlegel followed a trajectory through varied educational institutions. His schooling included periods at the Hansagymnasium Köln between 1965 and 1970 and a stint as an international exchange student at Lewis Central High School in Iowa. He later completed his formal academic training at RWTH Aachen University, where he studied from 1972 until 1979. Following his graduation, he remained at the university to conduct specialized research in semiconductor physics, a role he maintained until 1986.
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The German Aerospace Center selected Schlegel for astronaut training in the late 1980s. By the mid-1990s, his scope expanded toward long-duration missions on the Mir space station. Between 1995 and 1997, he served as a backup crew member for the Mir '97 mission. This position required intensive preparation in Russia, leading to his formal qualification as a second board engineer for the orbital facility. In 1998, he integrated his experience into the European Astronaut Corps.
Columbus Laboratory Installation
Schlegel served as a mission specialist on STS-122, a flight dedicated to transporting the Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. While an undisclosed medical issue forced the postponement of his initial scheduled spacewalk, which Stanley G. Love completed in his stead, Schlegel successfully executed a second EVA on 13 February 2008. During this period of external activity, he replaced a nitrogen tank assembly on the P1 truss and installed trunnion covers on the Columbus module.
Fast facts
- Born: 1951, Überlingen, Germany
- Education: RWTH Aachen University, 1972-1979
- Spaceflight missions: STS-55, STS-122
- Military rank: Oberleutnant
- Professional fields: Physics, Astronautics
- Awards: Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Order of Friendship
Questions readers ask
Did Hans Schlegel walk in space during the STS-122 mission?
Yes. Although he missed his originally scheduled EVA due to medical reasons, he completed a spacewalk on 13 February 2008.
What was his primary contribution to the International Space Station?
He participated in the mission that delivered and attached the Columbus laboratory, including installing specific hardware components on the P1 truss.
Achievements
- Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Affiliated with RWTH Aachen University
- Educated at RWTH Aachen University, Albertus Magnus Gymnasium and Hansagymnasium Köln
- Worked as astronaut and physicist
