Thomas Pesquet

Thomas Pesquet is a French aerospace engineer, pilot, and European Space Agency astronaut, widely regarded as one of the most charismatic figures in modern space exploration. With two long-duration missions to the International Space Station under his belt, he has spent nearly 400 days in orbit, making him one of Europe's most experienced astronauts. His engaging social media presence, featuring stunning photographs of Earth, has earned him a global following and helped bring space closer to the public.

Beyond his technical prowess, Pesquet is a man of many talents: he is an accomplished saxophonist, has voiced a character in an animated film, and has co-authored books about his space experiences. As of 2026, he is expanding his horizons as a test pilot at Airbus, a special envoy for the French President, and a potential candidate for a historic 2027 mission to the ISS. His blend of scientific rigor, artistic sensibility, and down-to-earth charm sets him apart as a new kind of space hero. [edit]

Thomas Pesquet grew up in Normandy, France, where he developed an early love for aviation and the outdoors. He earned a black belt in judo and played basketball, which taught him discipline and teamwork. His academic path led him to the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace (SUPAERO) in Toulouse, where he specialized in aerospace engineering. He also spent time at the École Polytechnique de Montréal in Canada, broadening his international perspective.

Before joining the astronaut corps, Pesquet worked as an aerospace engineer at the French space agency CNES and later at the European Space Agency, focusing on space systems and orbital mechanics. His passion for flight led him to become a commercial airline pilot for Air France, accumulating thousands of hours in the cockpit. He also pursued helicopter training, which would later prove invaluable for his astronaut career.

In May 2009, Pesquet was selected as one of six new ESA astronaut candidates from over 8,000 applicants. He completed his basic training in November 2010, which included survival training, spacewalk preparation, and intensive Russian language instruction. This rigorous preparation set the stage for his first mission to the ISS in 2016. [edit]

Pesquet's first spaceflight launched on November 17, 2016, aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. As a flight engineer for Expeditions 50 and 51, he spent 196 days on the ISS, conducting scientific experiments and capturing breathtaking photographs of Earth. His social media posts from orbit went viral, turning him into a global sensation and a national hero in France.

His second mission, named Alpha, launched on April 23, 2021, aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon, the first European to fly on the commercial capsule. During this six-month stay, he served as commander of the ISS, becoming the first French astronaut to hold that position. He also performed multiple spacewalks to install new solar arrays, contributing to the station's power upgrade.

After returning to Earth, Pesquet continued to expand his career. In November 2025, he joined Airbus Flight Test as a trainee test pilot, a move he described as 'going back to school' to become one of the world's most elite pilots. He also serves as Special Envoy of the French President, promoting space exploration and scientific education. In June 2026, President Macron announced that Pesquet will fly another ISS mission in 2027, with the possibility of commanding the flight under a new agreement with Vast. [edit]

Pesquet is known for his engaging, accessible social media presence, frequently sharing stunning photographs of Earth from orbit alongside humorous and educational commentary. His content blends scientific insight with artistic sensibility, making complex space topics approachable for general audiences. French media consistently portray him as France's most beloved astronaut, a national hero who represents a new generation of space explorers who engage the public through personality and artistic pursuits. His fans, who follow him across Instagram, X, Flickr, Facebook, and YouTube, celebrate his achievements with national pride and a deep appreciation for his photography. [edit]

Thomas Pesquet has cultivated a fanbase that is less a traditional celebrity following and more a community of space enthusiasts united by his unique identity as an artist-astronaut. His supporters, often described simply as admirers of European space exploration, engage with him through interactive projects like the "Astronauts' Cup" and his viral "Space Song," creating a bridge between hard science and pop culture without the need for formal fandom branding or commercial marketing campaigns. This audience values his accessibility and educational outreach, tracking his missions via his social media hub to witness real-time experiments and artistic endeavors from orbit. While his fame is intellectual and inspirational rather than hysterical, the scale of his reception in France remains notable, marked by state-level honors upon his return and massive public interest in his transition to test pilot roles at Airbus. Recent developments, including his appointment as a Special Envoy of the President of France and his selection for a third commercial mission in 2027, have further cemented his status as a key figure in the future of aerospace. Despite this enduring influence and global recognition, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated this person, but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list).[edit]

Thomas Pesquet is an accomplished saxophonist who famously played a duet with the AI robot CIMON aboard the ISS. He voiced a character in an animated film, blending his astronaut persona with pop culture, and his photography from space has been exhibited in galleries and published in book form. During his preparation, he trained in Russia, learning Russian as part of his astronaut curriculum, and holds a black belt in judo while enjoying basketball, jogging, swimming, and kite surfing. His helicopter training in October 2025 was specifically designed for planetary landing scenarios. A legendary moment from his first mission involved a viral performance where he floated in a handstand wearing a custom spacesuit adorned with a fish drawing, cementing his image as the "artist astronaut." Another iconic event saw him release a single titled "Space Song" directly from orbit, a rare instance of original music broadcast from space that sparked massive online celebration. His "space selfie" campaign also became folklore, where thousands of daily photos of Earth led to a global phenomenon of people recognizing their own cities from orbit.[edit]

Thomas Pesquet is married to Anne Mottet, a French aerospace professional who works at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The couple keeps their personal life private and has no publicly reported children. They live in France, where Pesquet balances his demanding career with family time. His parents and siblings are not widely known to the public, as he has chosen to keep his family out of the spotlight. [edit]

Thomas Pesquet is closely associated with fellow French astronaut Arnaud Prost, who will fly a separate 2027 mission to the first commercial space station. He has worked with French President Emmanuel Macron, who announced his upcoming mission. His wife, Anne Mottet, is an aerospace professional at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. [edit]

Thomas Pesquet is married to Anne Mottet, a French aerospace professional who works at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. The couple has been together for many years, though they keep their personal life private. They have no publicly reported children. Pesquet rarely discusses his marriage in public, but they are known to be a supportive pair, with Mottet often attending his mission launches. As of 2026, they remain married. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Thomas Pesquet's net worth is estimated at around $4 million as of 2026. While precise figures are not publicly disclosed, his income streams include his salary as an ESA astronaut, estimated at €8,000–€10,000 per month, his role as a test pilot at Airbus, and his work as a commercial airline pilot for Air France. He also earns from book royalties, speaking engagements, and media appearances. His net worth has grown steadily over the years, reflecting his diverse career and public profile.[edit]

Thomas Pesquet has received France's highest civilian distinction, the Legion of Honour, as well as the National Order of Merit. He has also been honored by the European Space Agency and the French government for his contributions to space exploration. His second mission, Alpha, was officially recognized as a national achievement. [edit]