Franz Viehbock

Berndorf AG • Astronaut and CEO

Franz Artur Viehböck, born on August 24, 1960, in Vienna, is an Austrian electrical engineer and cosmonaut, renowned as the first Austrian to journey into space. In 1991, Viehböck flew aboard Soyuz TM-13 to the Mir space station as part of the Austromir 91 mission, returning to Earth after just over a week in space on Soyuz TM-12. During his time on Mir, he conducted 15 experiments in space medicine, physics, and space technology.

Following his space mission, Viehböck spent two years giving lectures about his experiences before moving to the United States, where he worked for Rockwell, which was later acquired by Boeing. He then served as Director for International Business Development in Vienna and later as Technology Coordinator for Lower Austria.

Viehböck currently resides in Berndorf, Lower Austria, with his family. Notably, his daughter Carina was born during his space mission, making him one of only a few astronauts to become a parent while in orbit. Today, Franz Viehböck is the CEO of Berndorf AG, continuing his impactful career in the field of technology and business.

Events

International Astronautical Congress 2024

14-18 October 2024

Milan, Italy

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2023

2-6 October 2023

Baku, Azerbaijan

Participation:

The Global Space Exploration Conference 2021

14-18 June 2021

St. Petersburg, Russia

Participation:

Participation