Michel Tognini logged a total of 19 days in space over the course of two distinct missions, serving as a test pilot and astronaut before leading the European Astronaut Centre. His career spans decades of aeronautical advancement, transitioning from operational fighter pilot duties in the French Air Force to high-level coordination of European human space exploration efforts.
Aviation Foundation and Test Pilot Career
Born in 1949 in Vincennes, Tognini graduated from the École de l'Air in 1973. His early military service included operational roles at the 12th Escadre de Chasse at Cambrai Air Base, where he flew Mirage F1 and SMB2 aircraft, serving as a flight leader and commander. In 1982, he earned a test pilot diploma from the Empire Test Pilots' School in the United Kingdom. During his tenure at the Cazaux Flight Test Center, he managed flight safety and weapon systems testing for various platforms, including the Mirage 2000-C and Mirage 2000-N.
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In 1985, the French space agency CNES selected Tognini for its astronaut corps. By 1986, he reported to the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia to begin alternate training for the ARAGATZ mission. In 1991, he advanced to prime crew training for the Soviet-French ANTARES mission. He launched on 27 July 1992 aboard Soyuz TM-15, linking with the Mir space station for a 14-day program of joint scientific experiments, returning to Earth on 10 August.
NASA Operations and STS-93
Tognini completed ASCAN training at the Johnson Space Center in 1995. He subsequently joined the Operations Planning Branch to work on International Space Station technical issues and served in the Robotics Branch and as an ISS CAPCOM in Mission Control. In July 1999, he served as a mission specialist on STS-93, flying aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. Over the course of the five-day mission, he supported the deployment of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory.
Leadership and Post-Flight Career
Tognini retired from active astronaut status in May 2003. He transitioned into administrative and organizational leadership roles, serving as the head of the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, from January 2005 to November 2011. He holds the military rank of brigadier general and remains active in France, working for human space exploration initiatives and presiding over organizations including GAMA and Space Conseil.
Fast facts
- Born: 1949, Vincennes, France
- Military Rank: Brigadier general
- Flight Experience: 4000 hours on 80 types of aircraft
- Spaceflight Missions: 2
- Total Time in Space: 19 days
- Education: École de l'Air (1973)
- Notable Award: Commander of the Legion of Honour
- Languages: French, English, Russian
Questions readers ask
What was Tognini's primary role during his 1999 space shuttle mission?
He served as a mission specialist on STS-93, assisting in the deployment of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory.
Which international space agencies has Tognini worked for?
He has worked with the French space agency CNES, the European Space Agency, and NASA.
Achievements
- Commander of the Legion of Honour
- Officer of the National Order of Merit
- National Order of Merit
- Educated at School of the Air and Space
- Worked as astronaut and Research Cosmonaut
