# Thomas Reiter

> European astronaut

**Wikidata**: [Q166616](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q166616)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Reiter)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thomas-reiter

## Summary
Thomas Reiter is a German European astronaut who served as a key figure in the European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). He is best known for his extensive spaceflight experience, including missions to the International Space Station (ISS), and his contributions to space exploration and engineering.

## Biography
- Born: May 23, 1958
- Nationality: German
- Education: Studied aerospace engineering at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich
- Known for: Conducting multiple space missions, including the first European long-duration mission to the ISS
- Employer(s): European Space Agency (ESA), German Aerospace Center (DLR), Bundeswehr
- Field(s): Aerospace engineering, astronautics

## Contributions
- **Spaceflight Missions**: Reiter flew on three space shuttle missions, including STS-97 (2000) and STS-116 (2006), and served as a flight engineer on the ISS for Expedition 13 (2006). His missions contributed to the assembly of the ISS and advanced scientific research in microgravity.
- **European Astronaut Corps**: Reiter was a member of the European Astronaut Corps, representing Germany and contributing to ESA’s human spaceflight program.
- **Engineering Leadership**: As an engineer, Reiter worked on the development of spaceflight systems and technologies, including the European Columbus module for the ISS.
- **Awards and Recognition**: He received awards such as the Hessian Order of Merit, the Medal for outstanding service to Bavaria in a united Europe, and the Order of Friendship from Russia.

## FAQs
### What is Thomas Reiter known for?
Thomas Reiter is known for his extensive spaceflight experience, including multiple missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and his role as a member of the European Astronaut Corps.

### Where did Thomas Reiter study?
Thomas Reiter studied aerospace engineering at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich.

### What missions did Thomas Reiter participate in?
Thomas Reiter participated in three space shuttle missions, including STS-97 (2000) and STS-116 (2006), and served as a flight engineer on the ISS for Expedition 13 (2006).

### What awards has Thomas Reiter received?
Thomas Reiter has received awards such as the Hessian Order of Merit, the Medal for outstanding service to Bavaria in a united Europe, and the Order of Friendship from Russia.

### What is Thomas Reiter’s role in the European Space Agency?
Thomas Reiter is a member of the European Astronaut Corps and has contributed to the development of spaceflight systems and technologies, including the European Columbus module for the ISS.

## Why They Matter
Thomas Reiter’s contributions to space exploration and engineering have significantly advanced the European Space Agency’s (ESA) capabilities in human spaceflight. His missions to the ISS have expanded scientific research in microgravity and supported the assembly of the station. Reiter’s work has also influenced international collaborations in space exploration, particularly with NASA and Russia. His leadership and expertise in aerospace engineering have left a lasting impact on the field, inspiring future generations of astronauts and engineers.

## Notable For
- First European long-duration mission to the ISS (Expedition 13, 2006)
- Member of the European Astronaut Corps, representing Germany
- Participation in three space shuttle missions (STS-97, STS-116, STS-121)
- Development of spaceflight systems and technologies, including the European Columbus module
- Recipient of prestigious awards, including the Hessian Order of Merit and the Order of Friendship from Russia

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Thomas Reiter was born on May 23, 1958, in Frankfurt, Germany. He studied aerospace engineering at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich, where he earned his degree. His education laid the foundation for his career in space exploration and engineering.

### Career in Aerospace Engineering
Reiter began his career as an engineer, working on the development of spaceflight systems and technologies. His expertise in aerospace engineering was crucial for his later role as an astronaut. He served in the Bundeswehr, the federal defense forces of Germany, further honing his skills in military and aerospace applications.

### European Astronaut Corps
Reiter joined the European Astronaut Corps in 1992, representing Germany. As a member of the corps, he contributed to the ESA’s human spaceflight program, including the development of the European Columbus module for the ISS. His role in the corps was instrumental in advancing Europe’s capabilities in space exploration.

### Spaceflight Missions
Reiter participated in three space shuttle missions:
- **STS-97 (2000)**: Reiter flew as a mission specialist, contributing to the assembly of the ISS.
- **STS-116 (2006)**: He served as a mission specialist, supporting the delivery of the P5 truss segment to the ISS.
- **STS-121 (2006)**: Reiter flew as a mission specialist, conducting tests and evaluations of the space shuttle’s heat shield.

In 2006, Reiter became the first European long-duration mission flight engineer on the ISS for Expedition 13. His time on the ISS included conducting scientific experiments and supporting the station’s operations.

### Engineering Leadership
Reiter’s work extended beyond his spaceflight missions. He contributed to the development of spaceflight systems and technologies, including the European Columbus module. His leadership in engineering has been pivotal in advancing the capabilities of the ESA and the ISS.

### Awards and Recognition
Reiter has received numerous awards for his contributions to space exploration and engineering, including:
- **Hessian Order of Merit**: Awarded in 1989 for his outstanding service.
- **Medal for outstanding service to Bavaria in a united Europe**: Awarded in 1990.
- **Order of Friendship**: Awarded by Russia in 1994.
- **Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration"**: Awarded in 2010.

### Legacy and Influence
Thomas Reiter’s work has left a lasting impact on space exploration and engineering. His missions to the ISS have expanded scientific research in microgravity and supported the assembly of the station. Reiter’s leadership and expertise in aerospace engineering have influenced international collaborations in space exploration, particularly with NASA and Russia. His contributions have inspired future generations of astronauts and engineers, ensuring that Europe remains a key player in the field of space exploration.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/Astronauts/Thomas_Reiter)
2. [Source](http://aachener-ingenieurpreis.de/en/awardee/)
3. [Source](http://viaf.org/viaf/data/viaf-20170101-links.txt.gz)
4. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
5. Munzinger Personen
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013