Space Shuttle mission STS-51-G carried Patrick Baudry into orbit in June 1985, making him the second French citizen to reach space. Launched from the Kennedy Space Center, this expedition involved the deployment of multiple communication satellites and seventeen hours of specialized x-ray astronomy experiments. He completed 112 Earth orbits during his time aboard the vehicle.
Early Life and Military Foundation
Born in 1946 in Douala, Cameroon, Patrick Pierre Roger Baudry attended the Prytanée National Militaire in 1967 before joining the École de l'Air in 1969. He received his pilot wings in 1970 following training at Salon-de-Provence and Tours. During his subsequent service as a fighter pilot in the French Air Force, he operated F100 and Jaguar aircraft, completing operational missions throughout Africa.
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Baudry entered the Empire Test Pilots' School at Boscombe Down, England, in 1978, where he earned the Patuxent Trophy. By 1979, he was assigned to the Flight Test Center at Brétigny-sur-Orge. His professional history includes logging over 4,000 flight hours across more than 100 aircraft types, including the Harrier, Canberra, and various iterations of the Mirage series. He later served as a test pilot for Airbus.
Space Program Participation
Selected as a CNES astronaut candidate in June 1980, Baudry underwent extensive preparation in both France and Star City, Russia. His training covered physiology, biology, and materials processing. Beyond his STS-51-G flight, he contributed to the development of the Hermes space aircraft and provided expert analysis for crewed mission activities. He maintains memberships in the International Academy of Astronautics and the Académie de l'air et de l'espace.
Public Service and Distinctions
His contributions to aerospace and international cooperation have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the NASA Space Flight Medal, the Order of Friendship of Peoples, and the Aeronautical Medal. He holds the rank of Officer of the Legion of Honour and is a Knight of the National Order of Merit. Additionally, he has served as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, Douala
- Citizenship: France
- Space Mission: STS-51-G
- Flight Time: Over 4,000 hours
- Education: École de l'Air
- Roles: Astronaut, fighter pilot, test pilot
- Notable Award: Officer of the Legion of Honour
Questions readers ask
When did Patrick Baudry fly in space?
He flew aboard the Space Shuttle mission STS-51-G from June 17 to June 24, 1985.
What aircraft types has he piloted?
He has flown over 100 types, including the Mirage, Jaguar, F-100, Harrier, and Canberra.
Achievements
- Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Knight of the National Order of Merit
- Educated at Prytanée National Militaire, School of the Air and Space and Lycée Chaptal
- Worked as astronaut, fighter pilot and military flight engineer
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