Belgium 20 Euro 2018 Esro-2B

May 1968 was an important milestone for European space travel. On May 16, 1968, the first European satellite was successfully brought into orbit around the earth. This was the ESRO-2B. Previous attempts to launch a satellite successfully failed. The ESRO (European Space Research Organisation) was founded in 1964 and later merged into the ESA (European Space Agency). The ESRO-2B satellite had a weight of more than 100 kilos and the purpose of the mission was to get a picture of the magnetic field and the cosmic radiation around the earth. In the year 2018 it will be 50 years since the ESRO-2B Satellite was launched and to commemorate this, Belgium has issued a special 20 Euro coin. On the face of the coin the Esro-2B satellite is depicted in orbit around the earth which is shown on the left side of the coin. The solar cells on the outside of the Satellite are clearly recognisable as is the cross dipole on the bottom of the Satellite. Below the satellite are the letters IRIS (International Radiation Investigati on Satellite). At the top of the coin is the text "European Space Research Organization - 2B". The Satellite ESRO-2B is pictured along with various stars. Between the stars are the years 1968 and 2018. On the reverse of the coin is the map of Europe. To the right of the map the value indication of 20 Euro and the year 2018 have the twelve stars of Europe equally spaced above and below. The country name is shown on the right in the three official Belgian languages: Belgien, België and Belgique. The quality of the coin is Proof. The coin is presented in a luxurious grey package and is delivered with a certificate of authenticity. The issue of this special Proof Mint is only 5,000 copies.