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Historical Discovery: Mercury Does Indeed Have Electron Radiation Belts

Publication Date

04 August 2026

Category

Research

Tag

DEOS

Research

Space

An international team of researchers, including a scientist from ISAE-SUPAERO, has just published a study in the journal "Nature Astronomy" revealing the existence of electron radiation belts around Mercury. This discovery, based on an analysis of data from the MESSENGER mission and supported by previously unpublished observations from the BepiColombo mission’s MEA (Mercury Electron Analyzer) instrument, sheds new light on the physics of planetary magnetospheres and raises major challenges for the protection of space missions.

A scientific breakthrough in understanding extreme magnetospheres

Radiation belts, consisting of high-energy electrons trapped by a planet’s magnetic field, are well known around the Earth, Jupiter and other magnetised planets. However, their existence around Mercury – which has the smallest and most dynamic magnetosphere in the Solar System – had remained uncertain since the first observations by Mariner 10 in the 1970s.

By combining advanced analytical methods, numerical simulations and indirect measurements from the NS (Neutron Spectrometer) and GRS (Gamma-Ray Spectrometer) instruments on the MESSENGER mission, as well as recent data from BepiColombo, researchers have been able to identify a stable radiation belt around Mercury. This belt can persist for several days when solar activity is low, but becomes unstable during periods of intense solar activity, leading to a rapid loss of energetic particles.

Nicolas André, a lecturer and researcher atISAE-SUPAERO and affiliated withIRAP, and a co-author of the study, explains: “This discovery shows that even miniature magnetospheres, such as Mercury’s, can harbour stable radiation belts. Mercury thus becomes an exceptional natural laboratory for studying the physics of radiation belts under extreme conditions that cannot be observed around Earth. These findings are essential for better anticipating radiation-related risks during future space missions, whether robotic or crewed.”

An international collaboration leading to a major breakthrough

This study is the result of a collaborative effort involving:

University of California, Berkeley (United States)
University of Michigan (United States)
Institute for Research in Astrophysics and Planetology (IRAP) (France)
ISAE-SUPAERO (France)

Nicolas André played a key role in analysing the data collected by the MEA instrument during BepiColombo’s third flyby of Mercury in 2023. These measurements confirmed the continued presence of high-energy electrons within Mercury’s magnetosphere, thereby strengthening the hypothesis of a persistent radiation belt.

ISAE-SUPAERO, a key player in space research

This publication is in line with ISAE-SUPAERO’s strategic research priorities, in particular:

space exploration and planetary science, with recognised expertise in instrumentation and the analysis of planetary environments;
the protection of space systems, by studying the interactions between radiation and on-board technologies;
international partnerships, through collaborations with NASA,ESA and leading research centres such asIRAP.

As a leading institution in aerospace engineering,ISAE-SUPAERO plays an active role in landmark missions such as BepiColombo, contributing its expertise in plasma modelling, space data processing and the development of scientific instruments.

BepiColombo and the MEA instrument: a decisive French contribution

The MEA (Mercury Electron Analyser) instrument, carried on board the BepiColombo probe, played a crucial role in this discovery. Developed byIRAP with support from CNES, the MEA is capable of measuring populations of low- and medium-energy electrons with unrivalled precision. The data collected during the flyby of Mercury in 2023 confirmed the continuous presence of high-energy electrons, thereby supporting the existence of a stable radiation belt.

Towards a better understanding of extreme space environments

This discovery opens up new avenues for:

understanding the mechanisms by which energetic particles are trapped and lost in compact magnetospheres;
assessing the impact of radiation on future missions to Mercury, particularly with regard to the protection of satellites and astronauts;
using Mercury as a model to study the magnetospheres of exoplanets or substellar objects.

With the main scientific phase of BepiColombo due to begin in 2027, researchers atISAE-SUPAERO andIRAP will continue their analyses to deepen our understanding of this unique environment.

Luca Parmitano, Artemis III astronaut: an ISAE-SUPAERO graduate at the heart of the next step in the return to the Moon

Publication Date

16 June 2026

Category

Alumni

Tag

Advanced Master

Alumni

Space

On June 9, 2026, NASA announced the crew for Artemis III, a key mission in the U.S. lunar program scheduled for 2027.

First European astronaut selected for an Artemis mission

Among the four astronauts selected is Luca Parmitano, a graduate of ISAE-SUPAERO’s IEVEX Specialised Master’s programme, who will serve as the mission’s pilot. This is a historic appointment for the European Space Agency (ESA), which is seeing one of its members join an Orion flight crew for the first time,and further demonstrates the contribution made by our Institute’s graduates to major international space exploration programmes.

The announcement was made at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston. Luca Parmitano will join Commander Randy Bresnik and mission specialists Frank Rubio and Andre Douglas aboard the Orion spacecraft.

Scheduled for 2027, Artemis III will be a decisive milestone in the Artemis programme. The mission aims to validate rendezvous and docking operations, as well as procedures associated with future lunar landers developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin, in Earth orbit. These technical demonstrations are essential for the preparation of future crewed lunar exploration missions.

By being appointed mission pilot, Luca Parmitano becomes the first ESA astronaut assigned to an Artemis mission. This selection marks a new stage in European participation in international lunar ambitions.

A benchmark in European space exploration

A former test pilot with the Italian Air Force, Luca Parmitano has been a member of the ESA astronaut corps since 2009. He has already completed two missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS), spending a total of 366 days in space.

During his career, he has carried out six spacewalks and commanded ISS Expedition 61, becoming the first Italian to hold this position. Artemis III will be his third spaceflight.

His appointment as pilot reflects the operational experience he has gained over more than a decade of space missions and confirms the confidence placed by partner agencies in European astronauts during the most critical phases of human space exploration.

ISAE-SUPAERO, a key player in the training of European astronauts

Luca Parmitano’s selection is part of a remarkable trend for our Institute.

Today, five ISAE-SUPAERO graduates hold positions of responsibility within the ESA astronaut corps.

Thomas Pesquet (class of 2001) has completed two missions aboard the ISS and remains one of the most iconic figures in European space exploration. Appointed CEO of Novospace in 2025, he remains a central figure in European human space exploration. He is set to fly as early as 2027 on a third mission aboard the private commercial PAM-6 mission, which he is expected to command.
Sophie Adenot (class of 2004), selected by the ESA in 2022, is currently on her first mission aboard the International Space Station, contributing to numerous international scientific programmes.
Arnaud Prost (class of 2017), an ESA reserve astronaut, is continuing his operational training whilst contributing to projects related to human exploration in extreme environments. In February 2026, he was selected to undertake a spaceflight in 2027 aboard Haven-1, the space station developed by the American start-up Vast: he will become the first French national to stay on a private commercial space station.
Anthéa Comellini (class of 2017 – PhD 2021), also an ESA reserve astronaut, is applying her expertise to the development of navigation and autonomy technologies that will play a central role in future space missions.

A leading role in space exploration

The fact that several ISAE-SUPAERO graduates are currently serving as European astronauts highlights our Institute’s unique position within the space sector.

Thanks to a range of courses covering all the major fields of aeronautics and space, its research activities and its close links with agencies and industry players in the sector, ISAE-SUPAERO has been helping to train the men and women who take part in the great scientific and technological adventures of their time for several decades.

With Luca Parmitano as part of the Artemis III crew, Sophie Adenot currently on mission aboard the ISS, and several graduates involved in future European crewed programmes, ISAE-SUPAERO is confirming its role in preparing the next generation of space explorers.

The COMETES project – Skills and Careers in Space – is launching its website, a platform dedicated to skills and careers in the space sector.

Publication Date

11 June 2026

Category

Education

Tag

Education

Space

A national programme to train the space industry’s future talent

COMETES – Skills and Careers for Space is a national training programme launched to meet the growing needs of the French space sector. As the winner of the ‘Skills and Professions of the Future’ call for expressions of interest under the France 2030 plan, it brings together 26 partners from five French regions, including ISAE-SUPAERO.

The programme is based on a collaborative approach involving higher education institutions, research centres, industry players, local authorities and training organisations.

COMETES aims in particular to:

train 11,000 students over five years
create new degree programmes
develop innovative training programmes addressing space sector challenges
raise widespread awareness of careers and opportunities in the sector

A platform dedicated to careers and skills in the space sector

The COMETES website has been designed as a platform for exploring and learning about careers in the space industry and the skills of the future.

In particular, users can:

discover careers in the space sector and New Space
explore the training courses available
gain a better understanding of developments in the sector
find out about the skills in demand

The programme also pays particular attention to sustainable space issues, new space technologies, nanosatellites, space data and systems engineering.

A dynamic approach that benefits local communities and drives innovation

Through COMETES, the Toulouse Urban Community is reaffirming its commitment to skills for the future and to supporting major technological transitions.

The website can be accessed here: https://cometes-spatial.fr/

Testimonial from Sylvain ASSOGBA, an AM IEM student participating in the “Startech Summer School – Space Entrepreneurship: from Business Ideas to Start-Ups” in Rome

Publication Date

04 June 2026

Category

Tag

Education

International

Space

Testimonial from Sylvain ASSOGBA, a student on the IEM Specialised Master’s® programme

Participant in the ‘Startech Summer School – Space Entrepreneurship: from Business Ideas to Start-Ups’ in Rome

Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your academic background?

I’m a young man with a passion for aeronautics, which led me, after my A-levels, to enrol in science-focused preparatory classes. Following these preparatory classes, I continued my studies at an aeronautical engineering school at the Private University of Marrakech. After obtaining my degree in aeronautical engineering, I decided to pursue a Specialised Master’s in Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management at ISAE-SUPAERO, which I am currently completing.

How did you hear about UNIVERSEH, and what made you want to find out more about it?

Under what scheme did you take part in the exchange programme?

What impact did this Summer School in Rome have on your career plans in relation to your studies?

I first heard about UNIVERSEH at ISAE-SUPAERO. What interests me is the very concept behind this university: bringing together different stakeholders, students and disciplines around the theme ofspace!

I took part in the ‘Startech 2025 Summer School – Space Entrepreneurship:fromBusinessIdeas to Start-Ups’programme , organised as part of UNIVERSEH in Rome. The aim was to provide participants, over the course of a week, with the skills and network needed to set up start-ups in the space sector.

I’m studying start-up creation, particularly in the aerospace sector. Taking part in this programme has been a real springboard for me and has broadened my horizons regarding several high-potential space markets.

What were the highlights of your stay in Rome?

How has UNIVERSEH helped you gain a better understanding of the challenges facing the space sector?

I was particularly impressed by the various talks. They covered every aspect of space and showed how to take a simple idea and turn it into a tangible product or project.

First and foremost, thanks to the calibre of the speakers, but also to the various projects carried out by the different groups, which werehighly innovativestart-upprojects.

UNIVERSEH

Publication Date

04 June 2026

Category

Tag

Education

International

Science

Space

UNIVERSEH, European Space University for Earth and Humanity

The alliance’s members aim toestablish a thematic European university dedicated to space in all its aspects (science, engineering, economics, social sciences and humanities, patents and innovation, entrepreneurship, science and medicine, art and culture, etc.). The alliance’s activities are wide-ranging and cover all aspects of university work, from the creation of interdisciplinary teaching programmes and courses to the dissemination of knowledge to civil society, including the development of research activities. Through its activities, the alliance also contributes to promoting the values of the European Union, such as inclusion, diversity and sustainability.

The creation of UNIVERSEH

Established in 2020 by five partners and coordinated by the Toulouse Community of Universities and Institutions (ComueDe Toulouse), the consortium now comprises seven partners acrossEurope. ISAE-SUPAERO has been a member of the alliance since its inception.

Partner universities:

Comue de Toulouse in partnership with the local consortium comprising: University of Toulouse (formerly Toulouse Paul Sabatier University), Toulouse II Jean Jaurès University, ISAE-SUPAERO, TBS Education,Toulouse INP

AGH University of Kraków

Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf

Luleå University of Technology

University of Luxembourg

University of Rome Tor Vergata

University of Namur

Education and pedagogical innovation

The alliance aims to develop a high-quality, competitive and interdisciplinary educational programme through new and innovative teaching approaches.

Since 2020, more than thirty interdisciplinary coursesandshort programmeshave been created, covering all disciplinary fields within the space sector. This catalogue is updated annually with the introduction of new courses; these courses are free of charge and accessible via the UNIVERSEH Moodle platformto students at the alliance’s member institutions.

Alliance members are also working on other types of programmes: short courses (summer schools, winter schools), training for PhD students, and lifelong learning.

Initiatives are also being put in place to strengthen students’ language and soft skills, through, for example, language cafés or talks on intercultural understanding….

One of UNIVERSEH’s objectives is to develop new teaching approaches and integrate them into the alliance’s various programmes and courses.

Among the major initiatives is the creation of micro-learning modules, known as ADN (Aerospace Digital Nuggets), which are made available on the MLearn digital platform.

ISAE-SUPAERO, through its IDEA team, plays a central role in this project.

The institution also makes a significant contribution to the development of the IREAL platform, which is dedicated to the digitisation and virtualisation of scientific experiments.

As part of the courses and training programmes organised within the alliance, students have several opportunities to undertake mobility placementsat one of the consortium’s member universities through various types of mobility schemes: short programmes (summer school, winter school, space analogue missions, etc.), long-term study placements at one of the alliance’s partner institutions, and participation in international conferences (International Astronautical Congress, European Student Assembly, Paris Air Show).

The alliance’s member institutions also promote mobility activities to enable staff to undertake training by participating in themed ‘staff weeks’ or through exchanges focused on sharing best practice.

To encourage student mobility and help students plan their stay, the alliance has created a platform bringing together practical information on each of UNIVERSEH’s partners:https://universeh.eu/mobility/mobility-students/.

Testimonial from Sylvain ASSOGBA, an AM IEM student participating in the “Startech Summer School – Space Entrepreneurship: from Business Ideas to Start-Ups” in Rome

Sylvain ASSOGBA

Advanced Master IEM student

Student involvement

As an alliance of European universities, UNIVERSEH attaches great importance to student engagement.

This can take various forms: organising talks with professionals and researchers, visiting partner companies and laboratories within the alliance, organising hackathons, representing the alliance at space fairs and conferences, and promoting science and space to the wider public.

There is also a European ‘Student Council’, comprising three students from each university, which coordinates student activities. It enables students to participate in decision-making and to influence initiatives relating to their education and future careers.

UNIVERSEH Student Clubs – Toulouse

At each university within the alliance, students involved in UNIVERSEH form local teams to organise events.

In Toulouse, members of the student club organise a range of activities each year, such as talks and initiatives to promote science.

Join a team of committed and motivated students who are helping to shape the future of higher education in the space sector, and follow their activities so you can get involved too!

At the heart of the European space ecosystem

UNIVERSEH’s activities are not disconnected from the space sector. On the contrary, the alliance’s members work in collaboration with all European stakeholders in this sector.This ensures that the alliance’s activities are able to meet the needs of businesses, particularly in terms of training.

Furthermore, more than 90 associate partners, also known as ‘stakeholders’, are involved. These include academic institutions, European and national space agencies, industrial firms and start-ups, as well as research laboratories, space sector networks and associations…

These stakeholders have expressed their support for the alliance and are invited to take part in its activities. In particular, they can help develop courses, speak at conferences on space-related topics, take part in networking events with students, offer work placements or get involved in mentoring. They also have their own governing body, the Advisory Board, whose role is to make recommendations on the alliance’s activities.

How can you contact us?

To find out more about UNIVERSEH: https://universeh.eu/

Sterenn Le Calvez

Project Manager and Head of External Relations at UNIVERSEH

Sterenn.le-calvez@isae-supaero.fr

Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held liable for this.

Space: Thomas Pesquet and Arnaud Prost will embark on two unprecedented space missions in 2027

Publication Date

02 June 2026

Category

Alumni

Tag

Alumni

Exploration

Space

Three ISAE-SUPAERO alumni in space

The French President today announced the signing of an agreement with Vast, the company developing the first commercial space station, to fly two French astronauts: Thomas Pesquet and Arnaud Prost.

A third flight for Thomas Pesquet

Thomas Pesquet (alumnus S2004), who has already spent two periods on board the International Space Station (ISS) and holds the European record for the most time spent in space, has been chosen to command the PAM-6 mission to the ISS.

If his nomination is approved by the station’s international partners(NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency ( JAXA ) and the Canadian Space Agency ( CSA)), he will become the first non-American astronaut to command an American capsule on a mission to the ISS.

Arnaud Prost's maiden flight

For his part, Arnaud Prost (S2017 alumnus) will be making his very first space flight aboard Haven-1, the commercial space station developed by Vast. This mission will be a world first for a European astronaut, as it will be the first manned flight to a private space station.

Arnaud Prost has been a reserve astronaut with the European Space Agency since 2022, and is a test pilot and officer in the French Air Force and Space Agency. He is expected to take on the role of flight test engineer.

Based in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees, the American company Vast has set up the infrastructure needed to manufacture and operate a commercial space station, Haven-1. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, space stations for government partners and other manned systems.

Planned to last around two weeks each, these missions will be devoted to scientific, educational and technology demonstration activities. They come at a time of transformation in the space sector, as the ISS nears the end of its operational life (due to be deorbited from 203) and several commercial stations are under development.

This announcement also confirms France’s leading position in the field of manned spaceflight. With Thomas Pesquet, Sophie Adenot (S2008 alumni) and now Arnaud Prost, France is the only European country with three active astronauts.

This momentum illustrates the vitality of the French space ecosystem and the major role played by educational establishments like ISAE-SUPAERO in preparing the space talents of tomorrow.

« Académie Spatiale de Défense »: A Day of Strategic Reflection on the Future of Space

Publication Date

29 May 2026

Category

Event

Tag

Defence

Event

Space

At a time when space is emerging as a strategic environment, disputed and essential to the functioning of contemporary societies, France is reaffirming its determination to preserve its sovereignty and freedom of action. Autonomous access to space, resilience of military capabilities, competitiveness of the industry and responsible European cooperation are now national priorities.

It was against this backdrop that the Space Defence Academy (ASD) organised a one-day conference on 19 May 2026 on the ISAE-SUPAERO campus.

The day had three objectives:

to shed light on the main thrusts of French space strategy up to 2030-2040 ;
to analyse the evolution of threats and capabilities in the space sector;
to encourage exchanges between the key players in the national ecosystem.

From strategy to operations

The morning was devoted to the national strategic orientations and operational challenges of defence space.

The day’s proceedings were opened by Lionel Suchet, Director of CNES, whose speech provided insight and clarity on the transformations underway in the space sector.

Captain Pierre Roussel (SGDSN) then presented the new National Space Strategy and the State’s major priorities in terms of sovereignty. The quality of his speech, the diversity of the issues addressed and the discussions with the audience shed light on the challenges that France will have to meet in the coming decades.

Rear-Admiral Sébastien Goinère, second-in-command of the Space Command, then shed light on the issues of operability and sovereignty. His speech highlighted the development of French military space capabilities and sparked a particularly rich exchange with the participants.

Training, sovereignty and strategic autonomy

The afternoon was organised around two round tables bringing together academic, institutional and industrial players.

The first, devoted to training as a pillar of the national space strategy, addressed the issues of training, attractiveness and diversity in a sector that is strategic for our sovereignty, with contributions from Marie-Hélène Baroux, Olivier Kaladjian, Patrick Heim, Mehrez Zribi and Alexandra Brasseur.

The second round table looked at the issues of industrial sovereignty and the sovereignty of space data. Eva Portier, Space Advisor to the Délégué général de l’armement (DGA), took the opportunity to highlight the challenges of industrial and digital sovereignty at a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping the space industry’s value chains. Other speakers included Charlotte Neyret, Laurence Lorda, Julien Eballard and Noël Barreau.

The Defence Space Academy: an alliance to promote space sovereignty

Created in 2023 at the initiative of the French Ministry of Defence, the Defence Space Academy brings together ISAE-SUPAERO, the French Air and Space Force and the French Space Command. This unique alliance aims to develop, structure and pass on the space expertise needed to meet the challenges of France’s sovereignty.

ASD brings together three major players with complementary skills:

ISAE-SUPAERO, for its scientific and technological expertise ;
École de l’Air et de l’Espace, for military and academic training;
Space Command, for space operations management.

This cooperation makes it possible to offer a joint, clear and coherent training programme, covering both the academic and operational dimensions of the space sector. Open to institutional, industrial and academic partners, the ASD is now a key vector for exchange and dialogue within the French space ecosystem.

With this event, ISAE-SUPAERO, a school under the supervision of the DGA, is fully reaffirming its defence roots and its role as a benchmark academic player in the service of scientific, technological and strategic excellence in the space sector.

Olivier Kaladjian - Directeur général de l'Ecole de l'Air et de l'Espace

Echanges avec la salle

Eva Portier - Conseillère Espace du Délégué général de l’armement (DGA)

Echanges avec la salle (2)

David Mimoun, professeur à l'ISAE-SUPAERO, référent ASD pour l'Institut

ISAE-SUPAERO is co-hosting the 16th EASN International Conference in Toulouse

Publication Date

07 April 2026

Category

Event

Tag

Aeronautics

Aerospace

Innovation

Space

Over the years, the EASN conference has established itself as one of Europe’s leading platforms for scientific and technological exchange in the aerospace field. It brings together major players from academia, industry, research organisations and decision-making bodies, with a common objective: to accelerate the innovations that will shape the future of the sector.

The 2026 conference will be held in Toulouse, the European capital of aerospace research and innovation, at the heart of an ecosystem renowned for its scientific excellence and industrial impact.

The conference is also a key event for disseminating the results of EU-funded projects. It offers a unique opportunity to showcase scientific advances, strengthen synergies between disciplines and promote the transfer of knowledge to practical applications.

The programme promises to be rich and structured, with :

Plenary sessions featuring leading European experts,
scientific presentations (oral and poster) highlighting cutting-edge research,
numerous networking opportunities to stimulate collaboration and partnerships.

Following on from the previous event held in Madrid, particular emphasis will be placed on the new generation of engineers and researchers, with dedicated initiatives to encourage their integration into the European aerospace ecosystem.

By hosting this international event, ISAE-SUPAERO is confirming its central role in the development of European cooperation and the promotion of sustainable and innovative aviation and space.

High-level presentations: https://easnconference.eu/2026/programme/plenaries
Technical presentations: https://easnconference.eu/Agenda_2026

Information and registration

16th EASN International Conference

Publication Date

19 March 2026

Category

Tag

Aeronautics

Aerospace

Event

Innovation

Space

From 27 to 30 October 2026 in Toulouse, ISAE-SUPAERO will be delighted to host the 16th edition of the international conference organised by EASN on the theme: “Innovation in aeronautics and space for the sustainability of today and tomorrow”.

The 2026 conference will be held in Toulouse, the European capital of aerospace research and innovation, at the heart of an ecosystem renowned for its scientific excellence and industrial impact.

The programme promises to be rich and structured, with :

Plenary sessions featuring leading European experts,
scientific presentations (oral and poster) highlighting cutting-edge research,
numerous networking opportunities to stimulate collaboration and partnerships.

By hosting this international event, ISAE-SUPAERO is confirming its central role in the development of European cooperation and the promotion of sustainable and innovative aviation and space.

Information and registration

The “Certificate of Advanced Studies in Human Spaceflight” offered by the Spaceflight Institute in collaboration with ISAE-SUPAERO

Publication Date

18 March 2026

Category

Tag

Education

Innovation

Partner

Space

Startup

The Spaceflight Institute

A Franco-American centre dedicated to three missions

TRAINING

Delivered in English by more than 60 world-class experts from space agencies, industry and academia, the programme provides an overview of the human spaceflight sector, before exploring in depth key topics such as the space environment, systems architecture, human factors and physiology, space operations and robotics, and space science.

Find out more about the course.

R&D

Innovative technologies and methodologies, developed in collaboration with space agencies and industry players, to meet tomorrow’s challenges and drive developments in astronaut training and space operations.

To find out more, click here.

STRATEGIC CONSULTANCY

Tailor-made support and strategic expertise to help emerging space agencies and private organisations design, develop and realise their human spaceflight ambitions.

Find out more about our services.

ISAE-SUPAERO and the Spaceflight Institute

Certificate of Advanced Studies in Human Spaceflight

On 29 July 2025, ISAE-SUPAERO and the Spaceflight Institute signed a partnership agreement for the joint creation of a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Human Spaceflight. This new one-semester programme aims to train a new generation of professionals in the space sector, combining academic excellence and operational expertise.

Aimed at students, recent graduates and professionals who are retraining or working in the industry, this top-class course will provide an in-depth understanding of the technical, human and organisational issues involved in manned spaceflight.

The aim is to offer a unique course on an international scale, as close as possible to the needs of the current and future space industry.

Delivered in English by European experts from industry and research, the programme begins with an overview of the human spaceflight sector, before moving on to key topics such as the space environment, systems architecture, human factors and physiology, operations and robotics, space science and defence issues.

It provides a comprehensive operational understanding in line with the real needs of the aerospace industry.

Date of next training session

Start date: 29 October 2026

Duration: 5 months, 540 hours, classroom-based

Course location: ISAE-SUPAERO campus

Price: €25,000 (excluding administrative costs)

Participants: 12-18

Teaching methods

The course is aimed at people with a scientific or technical background who work or wish to work in the field of human spaceflight and related activities. It is aimed at space industry professionals, scientists and researchers, personnel working in operational or high-risk environments, as well as people in career transition or international participants seeking a recognised specialist qualification.

Validated Master 1 level or equivalent with proof of at least 3 years' professional experience.
Foreign diplomas equivalent to those mentioned.
C1 level English
Medical certificate attesting to the absence of contraindications to the practice of sports and endurance activities.

Meet the prerequisites.

Admission is decided by a panel after examination of the application and verification of the safety clearance required by the host sites.

Positioning: questionnaire completed prior to the course, enabling the content and approach of the course to be adapted.

Active.

A combination of theoretical input, practical exercises, case studies drawn from industrial and operational contexts, as well as educational and immersive field visits.

Teaching methods :
100% face-to-face

Development of materials tailored to your business.

Training materials are provided to participants.

Technical resources :
Use of Moodle and Wooclap platforms.

Note-taking.
Mobile phone.

Monitoring attendance :
In person: an attendance sheet to be signed by the participant and the trainer at the end of each half-day session.
Monitoring during the course :
Personalised follow-up.
Follow-up after the course:
At the end of 6 months or after the course has been applied in the workplace, an interview is held with the trainee to assess the impact of the training on the professional objective pursued.

Assessment methods:
The learning acquired in each module is assessed on an ongoing basis through weekly assessments. These assessments take the form of multiple-choice questionnaires (MCQs) and evaluation grids used to assess learners during case studies, practical exercises and teaching workshops.
To validate the module, students must obtain a minimum overall average of 15/20 on all module assessments, with a minimum mark of 13/20 on each individual assessment.

People with disabilities may have specific needs to follow the course. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Disability advisor :

Magali DOURY
magali.doury@d-cisif.fr

At the end of each validated module, a training certificate, issued jointly with ISAE-SUPAERO, is given to learners.

Once the four modules have been validated, learners receive the Certificate of Advanced Studies in Human Spaceflight, signed by ISAE-SUPAERO.

Two months before the start of the course, subject to the capacity limits indicated.

Tuition fees :
25,000 (net of tax)

Registration fee :
€250 (payment required when applying; non-refundable).

Prices valid in 2026.

Course content

Discover the global landscape of manned spaceflight programmes and explore the mental and physical preparation needed to work in this demanding sector.

Master the physics of orbital environments and discover how engineers design the launchers, satellites and space stations that protect crews and enable missions to be carried out.

Master the human and operational dimensions of spaceflight, from space medicine and human factors to life support systems, robotics and mission operations.

Discover how manned missions are advancing our understanding of Earth's climate, distant galaxies and planetary systems through scientific research in orbit.

Develop the leadership, teamwork and intercultural communication skills needed for international space missions through physical training, mental preparation and inspiring exchanges with space professionals.