King Philippe of Belgium visited the ESA centre in Redu, Belgium, on 17 March 2015.
After a presentation by Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director General, of Redu activities that have increased and diversified over recent years, the King took guided tour around the site, the only ESA site in Belgium, located amid the forests of the Belgian Ardennes.
The King viewed the 20-m Galileo antenna, the largest on the site. He also discovered the other antennas present on the site, today numbering around 50 against 15 antennas 10 years ago.
At the end of the visit, ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain received official recognition from the King for his continuous efforts in promoting and supporting the Europe’s space interests and activities in his capacity as ESA Director General. He was awarded Grand Officer in the Order of the Crown by the King.