Thomas Pesquet transitioned from a commercial airline cockpit to the International Space Station, serving as a pivotal figure in European aerospace operations. Born in Rouen in 1978, he developed a career defined by technical precision, spanning roles as a spacecraft dynamics engineer, research scientist at CNES, and commander of ISS Expedition 66.
Academic and Professional Foundation
After graduating from Lycée Pierre-Corneille in 1998, Pesquet completed a master’s degree in spacecraft design and control at the Institut Supérieur de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace in 2001. During this period, he also attended the Polytechnic School of Montreal. His early career involved engineering roles at GMV Innovating Solutions in Madrid and at the French space agency, CNES, where he focused on space mission autonomy and international cross-support systems between 2002 and 2004.
Aviation and Astronaut Selection
In 2004, Pesquet entered the Air France flight training program. By 2006, he was a commercial pilot operating the Airbus A320, having logged over 2000 hours of flight time. He later qualified as an instructor for crew resource management and type-rating. In May 2009, he was selected as an astronaut for the European Space Agency and completed his basic training by November 2010.
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Pesquet's first spaceflight commenced in November 2016 via the Soyuz MS-03 mission for Expedition 50 and 51, marking the start of the Proxima mission. He performed two spacewalks during this tenure, focusing on battery infrastructure and robotic arm maintenance. In 2021, he returned to the ISS aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon as part of Expedition 65 and 66, becoming the first European astronaut to launch on a commercial crew vehicle.
Exploration and Recognition
Beyond orbital missions, Pesquet engaged in deep-sea and subterranean training, participating in the NEEMO 18 mission and the CAVES course. His contributions to aerospace have been recognized with the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the Aeronautical Medal, and the NASA Space Flight Medal. In France, he was named a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 2019 and an Officer of the Legion of Honour in 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 1978, Rouen, France
- Selected by ESA: May 2009
- Education: Institut Supérieur de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace
- Commercial pilot experience: Air France (2004-2009)
- First space mission: Expedition 50/51 (2016-2017)
- ISS Expedition commander: 2021
- Languages: French, German, Spanish, English, Russian
- Award: Officer of the Legion of Honour (2022)
Questions readers ask
What missions has Thomas Pesquet commanded?
He served as the commander of the International Space Station during Expedition 66 in 2021.
What is his educational background in engineering?
He holds a master's degree in spacecraft design and control from the Institut Supérieur de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace, attained in 2001.
Which major space agencies has he worked with?
He has worked with the European Space Agency (ESA), the French space agency (CNES), and NASA.
Achievements
- Knight of the Legion of Honour — 2019
- Officer of the Legion of Honour — 2022
- Affiliated with GMV Innovating Solutions, CNES and Air France
- Educated at Lycée Pierre-Corneille, Institut Supérieur de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace and Polytechnic School of Montreal
- Worked as military flight engineer, astronaut and engineer
