The French astronaut from the European Space Agency (ESA), Thomas Pesquet, fascinates with his space missions and his sharing of experiences on social media. With 2.5 million loyal followers on Instagram, Thomas Pesquet is among the top 10 favorite personalities of the French. He embodies an astonishing and intriguing social phenomenon. But where do this formidable charm and the wave of sympathy that grant him this iconic status of the ideal man come from? Portrait…
From Normandy to Space
Born in 1978 in Rouen, Thomas Pesquet spent his childhood in Normandy. The son of a math-physics teacher and a primary school teacher, he grew up in Auffay, between Rouen and Dieppe, where he attended kindergarten, primary school, and middle school. Norman by birth, he is also a Toulousain at heart and maintains a strong connection with the Pink City. During his space missions, he even planned to bring the Stade Toulousain jersey. This jersey was specially designed for the International Space Station with the club.
Studies of Excellence
Thomas Pesquet attended a preparatory class for the grandes écoles at the Pierre Corneille high school in Rouen. He graduated in 1998. In 2001, he obtained his degree from the National Higher School of Aeronautics and Space in Toulouse. His specialty was the design and control of satellites. Recruited by the CNES, he worked on the autonomy of space missions from 2002 to 2004. He then spent a year at the Polytechnic School of Montreal in Canada.
In 2006, he obtained his airline pilot license after completing Air France training. He mainly flew on Airbus A320 and became an instructor on this aircraft. Selected by ESA in 2010, he spent six years training for his future mission aboard the ISS. Between 2010 and 2016, he trained in Russia, Germany, and the United States. In parallel, he continued to fly as a pilot for Air France until 2016. He also participated in test flights at Airbus.
An Astronaut’s Job
Thomas Pesquet joined the ISS on November 17, 2016, as part of Expeditions 50 and 51. Traveling in the Soyuz MS-03 as a flight engineer, he was accompanied by Russian commander Oleg Novitsky and American astronaut Peggy Whitson. His mission lasted six months, making him the tenth French astronaut to fly into space. He is the first to stay there for six consecutive months. His ultimate dream remains to go to Mars one day.
Popular, Hardworking, and Athletic
Behind his perfect physique — 1.83 m, blue eyes, brown hair — hides an engineer and a pilot who speaks six languages: French, English, German, Russian, Mandarin, and Spanish. An accomplished athlete, Thomas Pesquet practices rugby, basketball, mountaineering, skydiving, sailing, and diving. He also holds a black belt in judo. A musician, he plays the saxophone but prefers electronic music, listening to bands like M83 and Metronomy.
A Discreet and Committed Man
Thomas Pesquet shares his life with Anne Mottet, in charge of livestock policies at the FAO, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, based in Rome. The couple has no children by choice, preferring to focus on their respective careers. They still manage to spend time together despite the distance.
An Educational and Inspiring Mission
Through his missions aboard the ISS, Thomas Pesquet contributes to crucial scientific research. He participates in microgravity experiments and conducts Earth observations.
He makes space more accessible and understandable to the general public. On social media, his clear and educational explanations help better understand the stakes and achievements of space missions. By sharing details of daily life aboard the ISS, he makes the space adventure more tangible and human. His often spectacular photos and videos captivate and inspire, offering a unique and moving perspective on our planet.
Thomas Pesquet actively uses social media to interact with his followers. He answers questions, shares anecdotes and reflections, thus creating a direct link with the public. This interaction strengthens engagement and interest in his missions. By sharing personal stories and challenges, he attracts and retains the public’s attention.
The Ideal Man
Thomas Pesquet fascinates because he makes space exploration accessible, captivating, and inspiring. Through his experiences shared on social media, he continues to impress the general public. A polyglot, persevering with an atypical career and scientific excellence, he inspires many young people to take an interest in science and engineering. Thomas Pesquet is a true model of dedication and aspiration. He brings the stars a little closer to ordinary people every day.
