Posts: 2321
From: Netherlands
Registered: Nov 2001

posted March 24, 2012 03:26 AM               

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Twenty years ago today, Dirk Frimout became the first astronaut from Belgium when he was launch aboard Atlantis on mission STS-45.

Ed Hengeveld

Posts: 4533
From: Brussels, BELGIUM
Registered: Jan 2001

posted March 24, 2012 03:37 AM               

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Great photo Ed!

Check the September 2012 programme to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the STS-45 mission.

Posts: 247
From: Marietta GA USA
Registered: Dec 1999

posted March 24, 2012 07:18 AM               

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Wow, STS-45 was the first launch I witnessed in person. I had a causeway pass and attended the event with my cousins from upstate New York. It's hard to believe that great memory is 20 years old!

Thanks for reminding me Ed.

Posts: 1572
From: Toms River, NJ,USA
Registered: Aug 2000

Posts: 4533
From: Brussels, BELGIUM
Registered: Jan 2001

posted March 26, 2012 10:08 AM               

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Let's say Haddock was British as he was based on Captain H. Haddock, skipper of the White Star Line's Olympic, sister ship of the Titanic...

From April onwards, Belgium will have several exhibitions about STS-45, most will be held at public observatoria!