Did you believe that Thomas Pesquet would quietly go back down to earth after his missions in space? Think again. The favorite amazing of the French has just taken a new course – direction Bordeaux – but always with the eyes turned towards the stars.
Since the April 2Pesquet is officially the new managing director of Novespacea Bordeaux company that rhymes high altitude and scientific innovation. If you do not yet know Novespace, imagines an Airbus A310 capable of recreating the weightlessness, as in space … except that you stay on earth. Well almost.
A homecoming
It is not a leap into the unknown for the astronaut. Before flying to l’ISSPesquet worked as Engineer at Novespace. It is therefore a homecoming for him, but this time, at the top of the pyramid. And between us, it is difficult to imagine more qualified profile to pilot this kind of structure.
He himself announced it on his X account (formerly Twitter) with a touch of humor:
“As long as training for the moon does not occupy me full time, there are hours on the days.”
And add:
“Delighted, in parallel with my other activities, to join a world leader in its field.”
Novespace, head in the clouds … but feet on the ground
Based Bordeaux-Merignac airport, Novespace steal theAirbus A310 Zero Ga single flying laboratory. During these famous parabolic flights, the device performs brutal climbs and descents, creating during 22 seconds Impressive conditions. Researchers, astronauts in training, and even some lucky civilians (against 7,500 euros anyway!) Can be testing equipment, or simply floating as in the ISS.
More Novespace Do not just play weightlessness. A third of commercial revenues directly finances scientific research. In short, Pesquet does not just happen in a cool box, he takes control of a central player in the European space future.
An always ascending trajectory
At 47, Pesquet already has an extraordinary career. Two space missions (Close to the alpha), next to 400 days in orbit, Six outings in spacea ISS commandand Insead diploma in pocket, and now a post the DG. Without forgetting his humanitarian missions, his role as dad, and his test flights at Airbus.
And the story is far from over. The European Space Agency Prepares lunar missions for the coming years, and Thomas remains one of the favorites to participate. So no, this new role in Bordeaux is not an landing, but a strategic stopover.
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