# Thomas Pesquet

> French astronaut

**Wikidata**: [Q512266](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q512266)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Pesquet)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thomas-pesquet

## Summary
Thomas Pesquet is a French astronaut, engineer, and former aircraft pilot who serves as a crew member for the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French space agency CNES. He is best known for his participation in long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station, specifically as a crew member of Expedition 66, and for his extensive work in aerospace engineering and space exploration.

## Biography
- **Born**: February 27, 1978
- **Nationality**: France
- **Education**:
  - Lycée Pierre-Corneille (Public school in Rouen, France)
  - Institut Supérieur de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace (French engineering college)
  - Polytechnic School of Montreal (University in Montréal)
  - University of Toulouse (1896-1968)
- **Known for**: Serving as a crew member on the International Space Station during Expedition 66 and advancing European space exploration.
- **Employer(s)**:
  - European Astronaut Corps
  - European Space Agency (ESA)
  - CNES (Centre national d'études spatiales)
  - GMV Innovating Solutions
  - Air France
- **Field(s)**: Aerospace engineering, space exploration, aircraft piloting, amateur radio operation.

## Contributions
Thomas Pesquet's primary contributions lie in the execution of complex space missions and the advancement of aerospace engineering.
- **Expedition 66**: He served as a crew member on the 66th long-duration stay on the International Space Station, conducting scientific research and maintaining station operations.
- **Aerospace Engineering**: As a graduate of the Institut Supérieur de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace and the Polytechnic School of Montreal, he applied engineering principles to spacecraft systems and mission planning.
- **Amateur Radio Operations**: Utilizing call signs KG5FYG and FX0ISS, he facilitated amateur radio communications from space, connecting with students and operators globally.
- **Aircraft Piloting**: He contributed to aviation safety and operations as a certified aircraft pilot before transitioning to spaceflight.
- **International Collaboration**: His work with CNES and the European Space Agency facilitated joint missions and data sharing between European and international partners, including NASA.

## FAQs
**What is Thomas Pesquet's professional background before becoming an astronaut?**
Before his selection as an astronaut, Pesquet worked as a professional engineer and a certified aircraft pilot. He also held positions with major aerospace entities such as GMV Innovating Solutions and Air France, gaining extensive experience in aviation and engineering systems.

**Which educational institutions did Thomas Pesquet attend?**
His academic journey includes attendance at Lycée Pierre-Corneille in Rouen, followed by higher education at the Institut Supérieur de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace, the Polytechnic School of Montreal, and the University of Toulouse.

**What specific missions has Thomas Pesquet participated in?**
He is notably associated with Expedition 66, a long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station. His role involved commanding, piloting, or serving as a crew member for spacecraft operations during this critical period of space exploration.

**What awards has Thomas Pesquet received for his service?**
His contributions have been recognized with several prestigious honors, including the Knight and Officer ranks of the Legion of Honour, the Médaille de l'Aéronautique, the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, and the NASA Space Flight Medal.

**How does Thomas Pesquet engage with the public and amateur community?**
He actively operates as an amateur radio operator, using specific call signs to communicate from orbit. Additionally, his affiliation with the European Astronaut Corps allows him to represent European space efforts in public outreach and educational initiatives.

## Why They Matter
Thomas Pesquet matters as a pivotal figure in modern European spaceflight, bridging the gap between engineering precision and human exploration. His participation in Expedition 66 demonstrated the capability of European astronauts to sustain long-term presence in low Earth orbit, contributing vital data to international scientific efforts. Without his engineering background and piloting skills, the operational efficiency of the International Space Station during his tenure would have been compromised. His work reinforces France's and Europe's status as key players in the global space race, inspiring future generations of engineers and pilots. Furthermore, his use of amateur radio from space fosters a unique connection between space exploration and the global public, democratizing access to the experience of being in orbit.

## Notable For
- **Expedition 66**: Serving as a crew member on the 66th long-duration stay on the International Space Station.
- **Legion of Honour**: Receiving both the Knight and Officer ranks of this prestigious French order.
- **NASA Recognition**: Awarded the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal and the NASA Space Flight Medal for his contributions to spaceflight.
- **Amateur Radio**: Operating as a licensed amateur radio operator with call signs KG5FYG and FX0ISS while in space.
- **Engineering Expertise**: Holding qualifications as a professional engineer and aircraft pilot.
- **International Affiliations**: Being a member of the European Astronaut Corps and affiliated with CNES and the European Space Agency.
- **Aerospace Industry Experience**: Working with GMV Innovating Solutions and Air France prior to his astronaut career.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Thomas Pesquet was born on February 27, 1978. His formative education began at Lycée Pierre-Corneille, a public school located in Rouen, France. He pursued higher education in engineering and aviation, attending the Institut Supérieur de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace, a prominent French engineering college. His academic path also included studies at the Polytechnic School of Montreal in Canada and the University of Toulouse, which operated from 1896 to 1968. These institutions provided him with the technical foundation necessary for his future career in aerospace.

### Professional Career and Affiliations
Pesquet's professional life is characterized by a diverse range of affiliations within the aerospace and aviation sectors. He is employed by the European Astronaut Corps and has strong ties to the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French space agency, CNES. Prior to his full-time astronaut duties, he worked for GMV Innovating Solutions, a company with a significant presence in multiple countries including France, Spain, and Germany. He also held a position with Air France, the flag-carrier and largest airline in France, where he served as an aircraft pilot. His career reflects a seamless integration of piloting, engineering, and space operations.

### Space Missions and Operations
A defining moment in Pesquet's career was his involvement in Expedition 66, the 66th long-duration stay on the International Space Station. As a crew member, he was responsible for commanding, piloting, and serving in various capacities essential to the station's operation. His role required high-level proficiency in spacecraft systems and the ability to conduct complex scientific experiments in microgravity. This mission underscored the collaborative nature of international space exploration, involving partnerships between European and American space agencies.

### Awards and Recognition
Thomas Pesquet has been the recipient of numerous awards acknowledging his service and achievements. In France, he was honored with the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honour and later promoted to Officer of the Legion of Honour. He also received the Médaille de l'Aéronautique, a French order of merit established in 1945. His contributions to spaceflight were recognized internationally by NASA, which awarded him the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal and the NASA Space Flight Medal. These accolades highlight his impact on both national and international levels.

### Technical Skills and Hobbies
Beyond his professional duties, Pesquet is a certified aircraft pilot and an amateur radio operator. He holds the call signs KG5FYG and FX0ISS, which he uses to communicate with amateur radio operators on Earth. This hobby allows him to engage with the public and educational communities, sharing the experience of spaceflight through real-time radio contacts. His background as an engineer and pilot ensures that he possesses a comprehensive skill set applicable to both aviation and spaceflight environments.

### Organizational Connections
Pesquet's work is deeply intertwined with major space organizations. He is affiliated with CNES, which was founded on December 19, 1961, and is headquartered in Paris. CNES is responsible for developing and implementing France's space policy, and Pesquet's role as an astronaut aligns with the agency's mission of scientific exploration and satellite operations. His connection to the European Space Agency further emphasizes the European dimension of his career, as ESA coordinates space activities across the continent. Additionally, his association with Air France and GMV Innovating Solutions demonstrates his versatility within the broader aerospace industry.

### Personal Identifiers and Digital Presence
Thomas Pesquet maintains a distinct digital footprint with various identifiers across different platforms. His social media handles include Thom_astro on Twitter and thom_astro on Instagram. He also has a presence on YouTube and other platforms under the handle ESAThomasPesquet. His official website is hosted at http://thomaspesquet.esa.int/, serving as a central hub for his activities and updates. He is listed in various databases with identifiers such as the ISNI 0000000442148898 and the Wikidata ID Q10497074. These identifiers facilitate the tracking of his contributions and public engagements globally.

## References

1. [Source](https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/normandie/pays-caux/dieppe/thomas-pesquet-retour-parcours-du-spationaute-normand-1265675.html)
2. [Source](https://actu.fr/normandie/dieppe_76217/interview-thomas-pesquet-lastronaute-dieppois-en-partance-pour-lespace-se-souvient-de-sa-jeunesse-a-dieppe_4364348.html)
3. Who's Who in France
4. [Source](https://www.liberation.fr/futurs/2016/10/25/thomas-pesquet-open-space_1524230/)
5. [Source](https://www.lefigaro.fr/sciences/thomas-pesquet-s-apprete-a-prendre-les-commandes-de-l-iss-20211004)
6. [Source](https://www.lepoint.fr/sciences-nature/thomas-pesquet-premier-francais-a-prendre-commandement-de-l-iss-04-10-2021-2446023_1924.php)
7. [Source](https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-pesquet/)
8. [Source](http://www.ariss-f.org/thomas-pesquet-sera-fx0iss/)
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. MusicBrainz
11. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/international/english/pesquet_thomas.htm)
12. GeneaStar
13. Roglo
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/iss/english/exp_65.htm)
16. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/iss/english/exp_66.htm)
17. YouTube API