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SGAC Belgium Belgium is lucky when it comes to space. For starters, the country already has two astronauts. Dirk Frimout embarked on a 10-day mission with the Space Shuttle in 1992. 10 years later in 2002, Frank De Winne became the second Belgian in space with a 10-day mission to the ISS followed by a 6-month stay on the board the ISS in 2009. He became the very first European commander of the station. The government has an active space education policy, and Belgium has many space enthusiast organisations along with SGAC Belgium. Both public and private initiative events of all kinds are held each year. SGAC Belgium understands its main task here to aid existing organisations, to reach more people and to provide them with help in promoting events. Young Space Activities Overview in Belgium Belgium has an incredible record when it comes to space involvement and education. Already in 1991 the Euro Space Centre, opened its doors and made children of all ages turn their heads up in the air and towards the skies. Apart from the government, a number of organisations keep interest in space very lively in our country. For instance, the Euro Space Foundation, founded by Dirk Frimout, which is specifically focused on youth space enthusiasm and organises several events and competitions throughout the year. The numerous observatories and planetaria across the country also play an important role in our small country. Public observatories are found in Wallonia (one) and in Flandres (six). But there are also eight planetaria and nine registered professional astronomical institutions. In addition to this, Belgium counts more than 65 amateur astronomical associations all over the country, grouped in more than 20 organisations and workgroups. Each year they organise a series of events. The International Year of Astronomy in 2009 provided an ideal and wonderful occasion for special activities. Schools in Belgium often take initiatives themselves to teach more about space, thus creating awareness among the youngest of us. This was certainly the case during 2009, when Belgium's second astronaut Frank De Winne was in space for six months. This really made enthusiasm spread among youth. For more information make sure to check out our interesting link section below, and the national report of Belgium in SGAC's annual report 2009 and 2010! Country-Specific Events in 2011
Interesting Web Links for the Young Generation in Belgium Groups, Institutions Euro Space Society: http://www.eurospace.be
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