André KUIPERS

European Space Agency (ESA) • ESA Astronaut

André Kuipers, born on October 5, 1958, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is a distinguished astronaut affiliated with the European Space Agency (ESA).

He completed his secondary education at the Van der Waals Lyceum in Amsterdam in 1977 and went on to earn a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Amsterdam in 1987. His early career involved significant contributions to aerospace medicine, working at the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam and the Netherlands Aerospace Medical Centre in Soesterberg. During this time, he conducted research on the equilibrium system, space adaptation syndrome, and other physiological effects related to high-acceleration and microgravity environments. His expertise also extended to pilot health and performance, particularly under extreme conditions.

Kuipers joined the ESA's Astronaut Corps in July 1999, based at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. His initial roles focused on microgravity research, supporting ESA's parabolic flight campaigns as an experiment operator, technician, test subject, and flight surgeon. In 2002, after completing ESA’s Basic Astronaut Training Programme, he supported several Soyuz missions as Crew Interface Coordinator and served as backup for ESA astronaut Pedro Duque’s mission in 2003.

André Kuipers' spaceflight experience includes two significant missions to the International Space Station (ISS). His first mission, the DELTA mission in April 2004, involved a 12-day stay aboard the ISS, where he conducted 21 experiments across various scientific disciplines. His second mission, PromISSe, was a long-duration flight as part of Expedition 30/31. Launched on December 21, 2011, Kuipers spent nearly six months on the ISS, contributing to around 50 experiments and playing a key role in docking operations for ESA’s Automated Transfer Vehicle and SpaceX’s Dragon ferry. He returned to Earth on July 1, 2012, solidifying his reputation as one of ESA’s most experienced astronauts.

Throughout his career, Kuipers has been recognized with several honors, including being named an Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau. He is also an active member of various aerospace and spaceflight organizations, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the field of space exploration.

Events

International Astronautical Congress 2024

14-18 October 2024

Milan, Italy

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2021

25-29 October 2021

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2019

21-25 October 2019

Washington, United States

Participation: