Erik Quistgaard (3 June 1921 – 11 February 2013) was a Danish engineer and Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA) from 1980 until 1984.

[1] As head of ESA, he oversaw early stages of the Ariane launcher's development, as well as Spacelab's earliest contributions to space science, notably its maiden launching, with the first ESA astronaut in space.

Prior to joining ESA, Erik Quistgaard headed the Danish naval and maritime yard Odense Steel Shipyard from 1972 to 1979.

[3] A European recipient (1984) of the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal,[3] Erik Quistgaard was also among the founders of the SES (Astra satellite) company in Luxembourg.

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