Thomas Reiter, a retired astronaut and brigadier general in the German Air Force, logged over 350 days in orbit across two distinct long-duration missions. His professional trajectory spans from military flight training in Texas to high-level administrative oversight of European crewed spaceflight operations, solidifying his role as a central figure in international aerospace cooperation.
Military and Academic Foundation
Born in Frankfurt in 1958, Reiter pursued a rigorous technical education before entering military service. He graduated from the Goethe-High School in Neu-Isenburg in 1977. Subsequently, he attended the University of the Bundeswehr Munich from 1977 to 1982, where he earned a diploma in aerospace engineering. His military career developed alongside his technical expertise, including pilot training conducted in both Germany and Texas, eventually leading to his current rank of brigadier general.
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Reiter began his orbital career as an onboard engineer for the Euromir 95 mission to the Mir space station. During this period, he performed two extravehicular activities, marking the first time a German astronaut conducted a spacewalk. In 2006, he launched aboard Space Shuttle Discovery for the STS-121 mission to join the International Space Station. Assigned to Expedition 13 and later Expedition 14, he returned to Earth on the STS-116 mission after completing 171 days in space. During his career, he achieved certification as a Soyuz Return Commander.
Institutional Leadership
Following his active flight duties, Reiter transitioned into management within the European space sector. In August 2007, he became a member of the executive board for the German Aerospace Center. By 2011, he moved to the European Space Agency, serving as Director of Human Spaceflight and Operations until 2015. His responsibilities encompassed mission infrastructure, ground-based operations, and the management of the European Astronaut Centre. He currently serves as the ESA Interagency Coordinator and Advisor to the Director General.
Fast facts
- Born: 1958, Frankfurt
- Military Rank: Brigadier General
- Education: University of the Bundeswehr Munich
- Key Missions: Euromir 95, Expedition 13, Expedition 14
- Awards: Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit (1996)
- Professional Roles: Astronaut, Engineer, Test Pilot
- ESA Tenure: Director of Human Spaceflight and Operations (2011-2015)
Questions readers ask
Was Thomas Reiter the first German to perform a spacewalk?
Yes, he completed two extravehicular activities during his 179-day mission aboard the Mir space station.
What is his current role at the European Space Agency?
He serves as the ESA Interagency Coordinator and Advisor to the Director General.
Achievements
- Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany — 2007
- Hessian Order of Merit — 1996
- Affiliated with Bundeswehr, Bundeswehr and Bundeswehr
- Educated at University of the Bundeswehr Munich
- Worked as astronaut, engineer and aircraft pilot
