Thomas Pesquet

Thomas Pesquet
Josh Valcarcel · Public domain · source
Name	Thomas Pesquet
Birth date	1978-02-27
Birth place	Rouen, France
Nationality	French
Occupation	Astronaut, Engineer, Pilot
Alma mater	École nationale supérieure de l'aéronautique et de l'espace; École Polytechnique

Thomas Pesquet is a French aerospace engineer, pilot, and European Space Agency astronaut known for commanding long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station. He gained international recognition for science outreach, human spaceflight operations, and contributions to microgravity research and international cooperation in spaceflight. Pesquet's career spans aviation, test piloting, orbital missions, and public engagement across European and global institutions.

Early life and education

Pesquet was born in Rouen and raised in Normandy, where influences included the Aviation heritage of Le Havre and the aviation museums of France. He studied at Lycée Pierre-Corneille (Rouen) before attending École Polytechnique and graduating from École nationale supérieure de l'aéronautique et de l'espace (ISAE-SUPAERO), obtaining degrees in aerospace engineering and physical sciences. During his academic formation he undertook internships and exchanges with institutions such as France Télécom engineering groups and participated in projects connected to European Space Agency partner laboratories and research centers.

Military and test pilot career

After graduation Pesquet served as an officer in the French Air and Space Force as a transport and fighter pilot, flying aircraft including the Dassault Mirage F1 and Dassault Rafale. He trained at military flight schools such as École de l'air, participated in multinational exercises with NATO partners, and accrued extensive flight hours. Selected for test pilot courses, he attended flight test training linked to establishments like the Empire Test Pilots' School and contributed to flight evaluation programs for manufacturers including Dassault Aviation and organizations such as Safran and Airbus.

European Space Agency selection and astronaut training

Pesquet applied to and was selected in the European Space Agency astronaut corps, joining a cohort alongside candidates tied to agencies like CNES, DLR, ASI, and UK Space Agency. His ESA training encompassed systems instruction at Johnson Space Center, extravehicular activity preparation at Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, robotics training with the Canadarm2 and Mobile Servicing System teams, and survival training with international partners including Roscosmos and JAXA. He completed mission-specific training in collaboration with NASA Astronaut Office, Roskosmos flight surgeons, and specialists from SpaceX and Boeing crew programs.

Spaceflights and missions

Pesquet served as a flight engineer on Soyuz MS-03 and as commander of subsequent missions during long-duration expeditions aboard the International Space Station. He participated in scientific operations across ISS laboratories operated by partners such as NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, CSA, and ESA. During his missions he conducted technology demonstrations like remote robotics operations with European Robotic Arm analogs, coordinated cargo operations with vehicles including Progress (spacecraft), Dragon (spacecraft), and HTV (spacecraft), and participated in rendezvous and docking operations practiced in simulators derived from STS-135 and Apollo–Soyuz Test Project procedures. Pesquet took part in public outreach events involving institutions such as Smithsonian Institution and international scientific conferences.

Scientific research and contributions

Onboard the ISS Pesquet operated experiments spanning life sciences, fluid physics, combustion science, and Earth observation, working with payloads from European Space Agency programs and partners including NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Institut Pasteur, CNES, and university consortia. He supported experiments in astrobiology, human physiology platforms developed by ESA Directorate of Human Spaceflight and Robotic Exploration, and materials science investigations linked to Cnes and industrial partners like Air Liquide. Pesquet contributed to publications and technical reports with research groups at Université Paris-Saclay, Imperial College London, and MIT collaborators studying microgravity effects on cellular systems, fluid dynamics, and thermal control technologies.

Honors, awards, and public engagement

Pesquet received honors from national and international bodies including decorations associated with the Ordre national du Mérite (France) and recognition from aerospace organizations such as Aéro-Club de France and the International Academy of Astronautics. He became a visible advocate for STEM outreach, collaborating with institutions like European Space Agency Education Office, UNESCO, Royal Society public programs, and museums including Cité de l'espace and Science Museum (London). Pesquet engaged in media projects with broadcasters such as BBC, France Télévisions, and NHK, and partnered with non-profits such as The Planetary Society to promote climate observation and space science.

Personal life and interests

Outside professional duties Pesquet is known for interests in photography, music, and environmental advocacy, collaborating with cultural institutions including Musée d'Orsay and participating in exhibitions alongside photographers associated with Magnum Photos. He maintains ties to French academic institutions like Sorbonne University and supports initiatives by NGOs such as Greenpeace and WWF on Earth observation and climate data. Pesquet has lived and trained in locations including Toulouse, Houston, Texas, and Star City (Russia), and continues to participate in international forums on space policy and exploration hosted by entities like European Commission and United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.

Category:European Space Agency astronauts Category:French aviators Category:Living people