Graduated in electrotechnical engineering at
State University of Ghent, 1963; doctorate in applied physics from the
University of Ghent, 1970; 1965-78 Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy. As
Head of Section Instrumentation, performed experiments with stratospheric
balloons and sounding rockets; since April 1994 Research Director of D 1/Nieuwe
Ontwikkelingen, Belgacom, Brussels; later he joined Flanders Language Valley
Foundation, Ieper, Belgium (development of voice computer); his aristocracy
rank is Vicomte (Burggraaf); hobbies: running, bicycling, walking, traveling,
and chess; from 53 European candidates for the 1977
ESA
Spacelab-1 selection one of five candidates from Belgium, semi-finalist (on the
shortlist of 12), but not selected then; nominated by the Investigator Working
Group (I.W.G.) as backup payload specialist for the
STS-61K/
Spacelab
EOM 1-2 mission (manifested 03.09.1986, but cancelled
after the Challenger accident), 27.12.1985; nominated by the I.W.G. (not by
ESA) and
selected by
NASA as backup payload specialist for the same (but
renamed) mission,
STS-45/
ATLAS-1, October 1989; became a prime crewmember on
STS-45 due to
medical problems of Michael
Lampton, 10-09-1991.