Thomas Pesquet

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Covers

Records

Thomas Pesquet's career is marked by historic firsts and national pride. As the first French astronaut to command the ISS, he set a precedent for European leadership in space. His two missions, totaling nearly 400 days in orbit, place him among the most experienced astronauts of his generation. His ability to communicate the wonder of space through photography and social media has made him a beloved figure worldwide, inspiring a new wave of interest in science and exploration.

AwardsThomas 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.

Honours & Distinctions

Legion of Honour

French Government·2022

France's highest civilian distinction for contributions to space exploration.

National Order of Merit

French Government·2018

Recognizes his achievements in space and science.

Magazine Covers

TIME

2021-06

The Astronaut Who Captured the World's Imagination

Le Point

2021-05

Thomas Pesquet, l'homme de l'espace

Paris Match

2017-01

Thomas Pesquet, la France dans les étoiles

Records & Feats

First French astronaut to command the ISS

Historic First·2021

Served as commander of Expedition 65/66 in 2021, the first French national to hold this role.

Most days in space by a French astronaut

Career Milestone·2021

Accumulated nearly 400 days in orbit across two missions, the most for any French astronaut.