# Pedro Duque

> Spanish astronaut and politician

**Wikidata**: [Q448547](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q448547)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_Duque)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pedro-duque

## Summary
Pedro Duque is a Spanish astronaut and politician, best known for his role as a member of the European Astronaut Corps and his political career, including serving as part of the first government of Pedro Sánchez from 2018 to 2020. He is also recognized for his contributions to space exploration and public service.

## Biography
- Born: March 14, 1963
- Nationality: Spanish
- Education: Studied at the University of Valladolid
- Known for: Serving as an astronaut and later in Spanish politics
- Employer(s): European Space Agency (ESA), Spanish government
- Field(s): Space exploration, politics

## Contributions
- Served as part of the first government of Pedro Sánchez, contributing to Spanish political leadership from June 7, 2018, to January 2020.
- Participated in space missions as an astronaut, including contributions to the European Astronaut Corps.
- Named an asteroid, 24048 Pedroduque, in recognition of his work in space exploration.

## FAQs
**What is Pedro Duque known for?**
Pedro Duque is known for his career as a Spanish astronaut and his political role in the first government of Pedro Sánchez. He has also been recognized with various awards and honors for his contributions to space exploration.

**Where did Pedro Duque work?**
Pedro Duque worked for the European Space Agency (ESA) and later served in the Spanish government, including as part of the first government of Pedro Sánchez.

**What awards has Pedro Duque received?**
Pedro Duque has received multiple awards, including the Gold Medal of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Gold Medal of the Royal Spanish Aeronautical Society, and various other honors for his work in space exploration and politics.

**What is the significance of the asteroid named after Pedro Duque?**
The asteroid 24048 Pedroduque was named in his honor as a recognition of his contributions to space exploration and his role as an astronaut.

## Why They Matter
Pedro Duque's work as an astronaut has advanced Spain's presence in space exploration, contributing to scientific research and technological development. His political career has also influenced Spanish governance, particularly during a pivotal period in the country's political history. His achievements have inspired future generations of scientists and politicians in Spain.

## Notable For
- Named an asteroid (24048 Pedroduque) in recognition of his contributions to space exploration.
- Served in the first government of Pedro Sánchez, shaping Spanish political leadership.
- Received multiple awards, including the Gold Medal of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Gold Medal of the Royal Spanish Aeronautical Society.
- Contributed to the European Astronaut Corps, advancing space exploration efforts.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Pedro Duque was born on March 14, 1963. He studied at the University of Valladolid, where he earned his degrees, laying the foundation for his future career in science and politics.

### Career in Space Exploration
Duque joined the European Astronaut Corps, where he participated in space missions, contributing to advancements in space exploration. His work with the European Space Agency (ESA) has been instrumental in Spain's role in international space programs.

### Political Career
Duque entered politics, serving as part of the first government of Pedro Sánchez from June 7, 2018, to January 2020. His political contributions have influenced Spanish governance and public policy.

### Honors and Recognition
Duque has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Gold Medal of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Gold Medal of the Royal Spanish Aeronautical Society. The asteroid 24048 Pedroduque was named in his honor, further cementing his legacy in space exploration.

### Legacy
Pedro Duque's work as an astronaut and politician has left a lasting impact on Spain's scientific and political landscape. His achievements continue to inspire future generations of scientists and leaders in the country.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.congreso.es/portal/page/portal/Congreso/Congreso/Diputados/BusqForm?_piref73_1333155_73_1333154_1333154.next_page=/wc/fichaDiputado?idDiputado=205&idLegislatura=13)
2. [Source](https://www.huffingtonpost.es/entry/quien-es-consuelo-femenia-la-embajadora-esposa-de-duque_es_5c8a8393e4b0866ea24cdef4.html)
3. datos.bne.es
4. [Ara](https://www.ara.cat/politica/Lastronauta-Pedro-Duque-Ciencia-Sanchez_0_2028397256.html)
5. [Source](http://www.congreso.es/portal/page/portal/Congreso/Congreso/Diputados/BusqForm?_piref73_1333155_73_1333154_1333154.next_page=/wc/fichaDiputado?idDiputado=128&idLegislatura=14)
6. [Source](https://www.upm.es/e-politecnica/?p=9535)
7. [Source](http://www.boe.es/borme/dias/2010/02/15/pdfs/BORME-A-2010-30-47.pdf)
8. [Source](https://www.esa.int/esl/ESA_in_your_country/Spain/Pedro_Duque3)
9. [Source](http://www.fpa.es/es/premios-princesa-de-asturias/premiados/1999-pedro-duque-john-glenn-chiaki-mukai-y-valery-polyakov.html?texto=acta&especifica=0)
10. [Source](http://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-1999-572)
11. [Source](http://www.raing.es/sites/default/files/UNED%20_%20COMUNICACI%C3%93N%20Pedro%20Duque%20Honoris%20Causa.pdf)
12. [Source](https://news.ual.es/rectorado/la-ual-ha-investido-doctor-honoris-causa-al-primer-astronauta-espanol-pedro-duque/)
13. [Source](http://cms.ual.es/UAL/universidad/organosgobierno/rectorado/pagina/HONORISCAUSA)
14. [Source](https://www.upv.es/organizacion/la-institucion/honoris-causa/pedro-duque-duque/laudatio-es.html)
15. [Source](https://universidadeuropea.es/conoce-ue/quienes-somos/honoris-causa/doctor-honoris-causa-a-pedro-duque)
16. [Source](http://www.esa.int/esl/ESA_in_your_country/Spain/Pedro_Duque3)
17. [Source](http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/Cervantes_Mission/Return_to_space_for_Spanish_ESA_astronaut2)
18. [Source](http://www.esa.int/esl/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/Cervantes_Mission_Spanish/El_aterrizaje_de_la_Soyuz_TMA-2_pone_fin_a_la_Mision_Cervantes)
19. [Source](https://www.raing.es/academicos/correspondientes/)
20. [Source](http://iaaspace.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ne2019cmwashington-1024x683.jpg)
21. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
22. [Source](http://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2018-7577)