Two missions to the Mir space station define the orbital career of Jean-Pierre Haigneré, a French Air Force officer who transitioned from testing aircraft to operating in low earth orbit. During his 1999 stay, he became the first person to capture a photograph of a solar eclipse shadow from the unique perspective of outer space.
Military and Aviation Background
Born in Paris in 1948, Haigneré pursued a career within the French military structure. He attended the School of the Air and Space, gaining technical expertise that led to his service as a military flight engineer and aircraft pilot. His path eventually moved toward the specialized field of test piloting, a role that served as a precursor to his eventual selection as a spationaut for the Centre national d'études spatiales (CNES).
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Haigneré completed two distinct assignments aboard the Mir space station. His 1999 deployment, designated as the Mir Perseus mission or Mir EO-27, spanned 186 days. This long-duration mission included an extra-vehicular activity, marking a significant phase in his operational experience. During this time, he contributed to the documentation of astronomical events by photographing the solar eclipse shadow from above the atmosphere.
Post-Flight Contributions
Beyond his active flight duties, Haigneré maintained professional involvement in aerospace initiatives. He is a member of the Académie de l'air et de l'espace and holds the rank of brigadier general. Following his transition from active space missions, he co-founded the Astronaute Club Européen alongside Alain Dupas and Laurent Gathier, focusing on the development of European space tourism.
Honours and Legacy
The French government recognized his contributions with several high-level decorations, including the rank of Commander of the Legion of Honour and Knight of the National Order of Merit. His international service record earned him the Order of Friendship of Peoples, the Medal for Merit in Space Exploration, the Order for Personal Courage, and the Order of Courage. The asteroid 135268 Haigneré serves as a permanent orbital namesake for him and his spouse, Claudie Haigneré.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, Paris, France
- Military Rank: Brigadier General
- Education: School of the Air and Space
- Notable Achievement: First photograph of solar eclipse shadow from space
- Mission Duration: 186 days (Mir EO-27)
- Professional Association: Académie de l'air et de l'espace
- Space Tourism Initiative: Astronaute Club Européen co-founder
Questions readers ask
What missions did Jean-Pierre Haigneré fly?
He flew two missions to the Mir space station, occurring in 1993 and 1999.
Is the asteroid 135268 Haigneré named after him?
Yes, it is named in combined honour of Jean-Pierre Haigneré and his wife, Claudie Haigneré.
Achievements
- Commander of the Legion of Honour
- Knight of the National Order of Merit
- Educated at School of the Air and Space
- Worked as astronaut, aircraft pilot and military flight engineer
