André Kuipers
Dutch astronaut (born 1958) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about André Kuipers?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
SHOW ALL QUESTIONS
André Kuipers (Dutch: [ˈɑndreː ˈkœypərs] ⓘ; born 5 October 1958) is a Dutch physician and ESA astronaut. He became the second Dutch citizen, third Dutch-born and fifth Dutch-speaking astronaut upon launch of Soyuz TMA-4 on 19 April 2004. Kuipers returned to Earth aboard Soyuz TMA-3 11 days later.
Quick Facts Born, Status ...
André Kuipers | |
---|---|
Born | (1958-10-05) 5 October 1958 (age 65) Amsterdam, Netherlands |
Status | Retired |
Nationality | Dutch |
Occupation | Physician |
Space career | |
ESA astronaut | |
Time in space | 203d 15h 50m |
Selection | 1998 ESA Group |
Missions | Soyuz TMA-4/TMA-3, Soyuz TMA-03M (Expedition 30/31) |
Mission insignia | |
Close
Kuipers is the first Dutch astronaut to return to space. On 5 August 2009, Dutch minister of economic affairs Maria van der Hoeven, announced Kuipers was selected as an astronaut for International Space Station (ISS) Expeditions 30 and 31. He was launched to space on 21 December 2011 and returned to Earth on 1 July 2012.[1][2]