A 1985 Space Shuttle Challenger mission served as the stage for Lodewijk van den Berg, a chemist whose selection as a payload specialist defied his own expectations. At 53 years old, he became one of the oldest rookie astronauts in history, tasked with supervising complex crystal growth experiments during the first operational flight of the Spacelab-3 laboratory.
Academic Background and Migration
Born in Sluiskil, Netherlands, in 1932, he completed his initial studies at the Technical University Delft, earning an MSc in chemical engineering between 1949 and 1961. He later relocated to the United States, attending the University of Delaware to obtain an MSc in 1972 and a PhD in applied science by 1975. After becoming a naturalized American citizen, he joined EG&G Corporation in Goleta, California, where he specialized in the growth of mercuric iodide crystals for the nuclear industry.
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The path to orbit began with the design of the EG&G Vapor Crystal Growth System. NASA determined that training a scientist to operate equipment was more efficient than training an astronaut in complex material science. Tasked with nominating eight candidates, Van den Berg was added to the list by his supervisor, Dr. Harold A. Lamonds, primarily to fill a quota. He successfully navigated physical and mental testing to become the prime payload specialist for the STS-51B mission.
Mission Accomplishments
Launched on April 29, 1985, from Kennedy Space Center, the STS-51B Challenger mission involved a seven-man crew performing experiments ranging from atmospheric trace gas spectroscopy to cosmic ray monitoring. During his 168 hours in space, Van den Berg oversaw the Vapor Crystal Growth System, traveling over 2.9 million miles while orbiting the Earth 110 times. The flight concluded on May 6, 1985, with a landing at Edwards Air Force Base.
Late Career and Legacy
Following his return to Earth, he continued his research at EG&G before moving to Florida to serve as a chief scientist at the Constellation Technology Corporation. He maintained a rigorous work schedule well into his seventies, viewing the cultivation of crystals as a process analogous to gardening. His professional life was recognized in his native country through a 2004 documentary and the naming of the Lodewijk College in Terneuzen. He died in Largo, Florida, on October 16, 2022, at the age of 90.
Fast facts
- Born: 1932, Sluiskil, Netherlands
- Died: 2022, Largo, Florida
- Education: Delft University of Technology; University of Delaware
- Mission: STS-51B Challenger (1985)
- Specialization: Mercuric iodide crystal growth
- Asteroid: 11430 Lodewijkberg
- Citizenship: United States (naturalized 1975)
Questions readers ask
Was Lodewijk van den Berg a professional astronaut?
He served as a payload specialist, a scientist selected specifically to operate research equipment during the STS-51B mission.
Why is the asteroid 11430 Lodewijkberg named after him?
The asteroid, discovered in 1960 and originally designated 9560 P-L, was officially named in his honor on September 28, 2007.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration, EG&G and Constellation Technology Corporation
- Educated at Delft University of Technology, University of Delaware and University of Delaware
- Worked as astronaut and chemist
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