A Swiss appointed as ESA Director of Launchers

Daniel Neuenschwander was appointed Director of Launchers at the European Space Agency in Paris. His appointment strengthens Switzerland’s presence in a very important international organization. Daniel Neuenschwander from the canton of Fribourg was elected by the organization’s 22 member states at a meeting of the ESA Council on 16 March. As Director of Launchers, he […]

Daniel Neuenschwander was appointed Director of Launchers at the European Space Agency in Paris. His appointment strengthens Switzerland’s presence in a very important international organization.

Daniel Neuenschwander from the canton of Fribourg was elected by the organization’s 22 member states at a meeting of the ESA Council on 16 March. As Director of Launchers, he will have the task of running the space transport sector, which covers the development of Ariane-6, the most important development program in the ESA’s history. According to a press release, this is the first time a Swiss has been elected as ESA program director since the Agency’s creation in 1975.

After completing his studies in physical geography at the University of Fribourg and training as an airline pilot, Daniel Neuenschwander has spent his professional career in the aerospace sector. He has been the Director of the Swiss Space Office and head of the Swiss delegation to ESA since 2009.

The European Space Agency was set up in 1975 to improve the coordination of European space activities and create a framework for the peaceful exploration of space. Switzerland was a founding member of the organization.