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First European Commander of the ISS

Posted by timothy on from the shift-of-power dept.

RobGoldsmith writes 'ESA astronaut Frank De Winne became the first European commander of the International Space Station this morning with the departure of Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka who had filled this role since April. De Winne is the first non-American and non-Russian to take on this role. Watch the videos and view images here.'

2 of 190 comments (clear)

  1. Russia... by AJWM · · Score: 5, Insightful

    isn't part of Europe?

    --
    -- Alastair
  2. seriously... by voss · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Something happens on the space station and for some reason the station cant communicate with earth...whos in charge?

    The station commander.

    In an emergency he would make certain decisions such abandon the station or stay put.

    While ground controllers can give direction, you always want to have someone on site who can actually
      act on those directions and tell people what to do. A station commander is not for things you expect, its for the things
    you dont expect.