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Historical Discovery: Mercury Does Indeed Have Electron Radiation Belts

Publication Date

04 August 2026

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Research

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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 This discovery, based on an analysis of data from the MESSENGER mission and supported by previously unpublished observations from the BepiColombo mission’s MEA (Mercury Electron Analyzer) instrument, sheds new light on the physics of planetary magnetospheres and raises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.

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Videos

Visiting professors at ISAE-SUPAERO: DAN SCHEERES

ISAE-SUPAERO est un établissement d'enseignement supérieur axé sur la recherche et l'innovation, qui s'engage à concilier excellence scientifique, visibilité académique et proximité avec les objectifs industriels. Ses activités de recherche ont contribué à faire de l'école un leader international non seulement en termes de programme d'ingénierie aérospatiale, mais aussi de programmes de troisième cycle, notamment ses masters (MSc) et ses programmes de doctorat en sciences de l'ingénierie. C'est pourquoi de nombreux acteurs internationaux clés de la recherche rendent visite à leurs homologues de l'ISAE-SUPAERO. Nous avons rencontré Dan Sheeres, professeur émérite de l'université du Colorado et titulaire de la chaire A. Richard Seebass au département des sciences de l'ingénierie aérospatiale Ann et H.J. Smead de l'université du Colorado à Boulder. Les recherches de Dan Scheeres couvrent des sujets allant de l'astrodynamique et de la navigation spatiale à la science planétaire et à la mécanique céleste, et il a publié de nombreux articles dans ces domaines. L'astéroïde 8887 a été baptisé « Scheeres » en reconnaissance de ses contributions à la compréhension scientifique de l'environnement dynamique des astéroïdes. Pendant son séjour à l'ISAE-SUPAERO, le professeur Scheeres et l'équipe des systèmes spatiaux pour les applications planétaires ont collaboré à l'analyse des données DART et au développement de concepts visant à étudier la structure interne des astéroïdes lors de futures missions spatiales. De plus, Dan Scheeres et l'ISAE-SUPAERO ont publié conjointement plusieurs articles dans « Nature » sur les astéroïdes et la mission DART.

DEOS

Researcher

Space

News

Apply today for a program at ISAE-SUPAERO or ENAC - École Nationale de l'Aviation Civile!

The TSAAE application platform is now open: discover our world-renowned programs and apply online for the 2026 academic year before November 28 at midnight (French time)!

Advanced Master

Aeronautics

Aerospace

Events

Interdisciplinary Congress on Extreme Worlds - CIME

Do you work in or on extreme environments? Come and take part in the first edition of the Interdisciplinary Congress on Extreme Worlds (CIME)!

Congress

Research

Science

News

Mission Insight: the contribution of researchers from ISAE-SUPAERO

The InSight lander deployed by NASA recorded two earthquakes that occurred on Mars in 2021, providing scientists with exceptional data, the first direct observations ever made of a planet's core.

DEOS

Space

Videos

Orbit Your Thesis: ISAE-SUPAERO in zero gravity with the AIM experiment

Artery In Microgravity (#AIM), the first student scientific experiment designed and developed in collaboration since 2018 by ISAE-SUPAERO and Polytechnique Turin, was launched on 23 November 2022 by Space X's Dragon cargo ship to the International Space Station (ISS)! Selected by the ESA as part of its ‘Orbit your thesis’ programme, AIM aims to study the behaviour of the heart and its arteries in space, in order to determine whether people with heart problems will one day be able to stay there.

Prize

Space

News

Call for Nominations for the 2027 Lopez-Loreta Award

ISAE-SUPAERO is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2027 Lopez-Loreta Prize, a €1 million* award for excellence designed to support innovative, high-impact projects led by our graduates in the fields of academic research or entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship

Prize

Research

News

SILOE, an experimental drop tower project selected by ESA and an ESPACE grant for Alexia Duchêne

The SILOE experimental drop tower project aims to study the cohesion of planetary surfaces. This student project is supported by ESA as part of its European ‘Academy Experiments’ program. Alexia Duchêne, SILOE project leader, has been awarded a scholarship of excellence from the Fondation des Ailes de France.

DEOS

Space

News

ISAE-SUPAERO will be at the Paris Air Show from June 16 to 22, 2025!

Aeronautics

Event

Fair

Events

2026 edition of "Les Entretiens de Toulouse"

Aeronautics

Aerospace

Event

Pages

Research

At ISAE-SUPAERO, we conduct cutting-edge research in the service of innovation, technological sovereignty and the ecological transition of the aerospace sector, thereby affirming our role as a leading player in the scientific and industrial community.

DAEP

DCAS

DEOS

Videos

Start-up insights: interview with Ugo Bonnet from the Space Flight Institute

In recent years, ISAE-SUPAERO has developed a range of services and comprehensive support for its project leaders (students, doctoral students, teacher-researchers, and alumni), earning it the title of incubator. It is in line with this support philosophy that the Institute currently hosts numerous startups that were created within its walls. Today we welcome Ugo Bonnet, CEO of the Space Flight Institute, a company that offers innovative training (in partnership with ISAE-SUPAERO) to future professionals in human spaceflight, whether on Earth or in orbit. Ugo Bonnet discusses the creation of the organization, its major successes, and its plans for the future.

Alumni

Space

Startup

News

ISAE-SUPAERO hosts the first in-person Inter-Agency GNC V&V Workshop

On July 9–10, 2025, ISAE-SUPAERO had the honor of hosting the very first in-person edition of the Inter-Agency GNC V&V Workshop, bringing together more than 150 participants from academia, industry, and major international space agencies.

Event

Research

Workshop

Pages

Spring Semester in Aeronautical Engineering

Immerse yourself in the world of aerospace in Toulouse, the European aerospace capital, with a semester taught in English combining excellent courses, cultural immersion, and proximity to major industrial players.

Aeronautics

Aerospace

Aerospace summer program

News

Alexandre Bouraoui Takes Gold at the 2025 International Astronautical Congress

Congress

DEOS

Event

News

ISAE-SUPAERO acquires an innovative new additive manufacturing equipment

ISAE-SUPAERO and the Institut Clément Ader (ICA) have just acquired a new Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) machine. This cutting-edge equipment opens up new prospects for research, teaching and innovation in the aeronautical field.

Aeronautics

News

Research

Videos

Discover... ISAE-SUPAERO's cryogenic equipment for electrical testing

ISAE-SUPAERO - as a center for training through research, research training and innovation - has a wide range of research equipment used by its 6 research departments. Today, we present our cryogenic equipment for electrical testing! ISAE-SUPAERO's image sensor research group (CIMI) studies sensors in the visible wavelength range, but also sensors in different spectral ranges such as infrared. Detection of these longer wavelengths requires materials other than silicon for detection, combined with a silicon readout circuit for information processing, all operating at cryogenic temperature. In this context, ISAE-SUPAERO has developed electrical and electro-optical characterization benches for low-temperature microelectronic circuits, in order to extract and model their behavior and performance. These characterization benches can address both very simple circuits, such as transistors, and complex components (complete sensors) with up to 120 inputs/outputs.

DEOS

Pages

Photonics Antenna Microwave PlasmaA (PAMPA) Scientific Group

The “Photonics Antenna Microwave PlasmaA” (PAMPA) scientific group is interested in electromagnetism in the fields of microwaves and photonics, as well as wave-plasma interactions.

DEOS

Doctoral student

PhD

News

BROMO: the joint venture project involving major European space industry players presented to ISAE-SUPAERO students

In December 2025, ISAE-SUPAERO welcomed major players in the European space industry (Airbus, Thales and Leonardo) for an exceptional conference on the BROMO project.

Conference

Space

Pages

Aerospace Summer Programme

Enjoy a unique experience at the heart of aeronautics and space technology with intensive courses, exclusive industrial visits, and an international immersion in Paris, Poitiers and Toulouse.

Aeronautics

Aerospace

Aerospace summer program

Testimonials

Testimonial of Baptiste Sigal, Advanced Master® TAS ASTRO student (class) 2025

Advanced Master

Aerospace

Space

News

RAMSES: ISAE-SUPAERO at the heart of a historic planetary defense mission

Le sismomètre SIA développé par l'ISAE-SUPAERO est une première mondiale pour explorer l'astéroïde Apophis

DEOS

Research

Space

Pages

Innovating in a World of Transition - Safran

The challenges facing the aerospace industry (energy transition, New Space, digitalization) are driving a growing need for professionals with the ability to innovate. Against this backdrop, Safran and ISAE-SUPAERO are creating the Innovating in a World in Transition Chair.

Aeronautics

Aerospace

Chair

News

Training new skills for the future of space: COMETES is launched!

Company

Job

Space

Pages

Advanced Space Concepts Laboratory - Airbus DS & ArianeGroup

Created in 2017 and renewed until 2027, this sponsorship partnership brings together Airbus Defense & Space and Ariane Group.

Aerospace

Chair

Company

Videos

The sound of a Martian dust devil captured by the SuperCam microphone on Perseverance

This video and audio show the results obtained by NASA's Perseverance Mars rover and its SuperCam microphone when recording the sounds of a Martian dust devil passing overhead on 27 September 2021, the 215th Martian day or sol of the mission. The dust devil was 25 metres wide and at least 118 metres high, moving at a speed of approximately 19 km/h. This is the first time such a recording has been made, as capturing a dust devil requires a bit of luck. Indeed, it flew over the rover at a time when all of Perseverance's sensors measuring wind, pressure, temperature and dust, plus the NavigationXXX (Navcam) camera, were running. This allowed scientists to combine sounds, images and atmospheric data. The unique combination of this data, along with atmospheric modelling, enabled researchers to estimate the dimensions of the dust devil. Scientists cannot accurately predict when these vortices will occur. Rovers such as Perseverance and Curiosity monitor them regularly. When scientists notice that they are more frequent at a certain time of day or approaching from a certain direction, they focus their monitoring to try to capture a dust devil with all the sensors at their disposal. > To better understand the video, it shows three rows of images: - the row

DEOS

Researcher

Space

Videos

Discover... the ISAE-SUPAERO irradiator

ISAE-SUPAERO – as a centre for training through research, research training and innovation – has a wide range of research equipment used within its six research departments. Today, we present the irradiator! As part of its research activities, ISAE-SUPAERO develops electronic components and systems for scientific and space applications. Space is a very aggressive environment, particularly because high-energy particles emitted by the sun or trapped in radiation belts threaten the health of astronauts, the properties of materials and the proper functioning of electronic chips. In order to reproduce the effects of this ionising radiation on electronic technologies in the laboratory, ISAE-SUPAERO has acquired an X-ray irradiation chamber with an energy of up to 320 keV. This video shows a typical use of this equipment: an electronic component to be tested is placed in the irradiation chamber, the X-ray tube is switched on, and the effects on the component's operation (in this case, an image sensor) are observed and measured in real time.

DEOS

Pages

Electronics, Optronics, and Signal Processing Department (DEOS)

At ISAE SUPAERO, the Department of Electronics, Optronics and Signal Processing (DEOS) studies, designs and produces scientific instruments for aeronautics, space and defense applications, with a strong focus on advanced systems and planetary exploration missions.

DEOS

Videos

A surprise from elsewhere... from the ISS...?

Hello earth? Thomas Pesquet speaking! Thomas Pesquet, French astronaut and famous ISAE-SUPAERO alumnus (class of 2001), is currently in the ISS as part of his new Alpha mission. He sent our students a personalized message from the European laboratory Columbus...

Alumni

Diversity program

Space

News

Les Assises du New Space: update of the “Ambition NewSpace 2027” report

In 2022, the Assises du NewSpace collective - a group of players representing the French space industry - published the report “Ambition NewSpace 2027”. Today, the collective is launching another major national consultation to update this report and shape the future of French space!

Conference

Round table

Space

Videos

Discover... CMOS image sensors at ISAE-SUPAERO

ISAE-SUPAERO - as a center for training through research, research training and innovation - has a wide range of research equipment used in its 6 research departments. Today, we present CMOS image sensors! CMOS image sensors are playing an increasingly important role in our everyday lives. For several years now, our team at ISAE-SUPAERO has been developing CMOS image sensors with a number of players in the field, and innovating by proposing new architectures and conditions of use requiring studies of both elementary components and more complex structures. Measurements are carried out on transistors and diodes with the help of an under-tip tester and a parametric analyzer enabling very low current measurements (10 aA). Similarly, simple structures containing innovative pixels can be operated with the tester using spike cards coupled to a word generator specially designed for image sensors. All these studies not only contribute to our understanding of the physics of photodetection, but also provide models for our simulators. They are also used to monitor manufacturing processes during the various production phases.

DEOS

Testimonials

Testimony from Axel Coulon, student (class of 2024) of the TAS ASTRO Advanced Master®

Advanced Master

Space

Testimonial

Testimonials

Testimony from Stéphanie Lizy-Destrez, elected member of the Air and Space Academy

DCAS

Space

Teacher researcher

News

ISAE-SUPAERO's researchers are working on establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.

While last year marked the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission, the last manned trip to the Moon, the development of ‘New Space’ has revived the space sector's interest in lunar exploration.

DCAS

Space

News

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

France is stepping up its space ambitions. At the Choose France summit, the President of the Republic announced that French astronauts Thomas Pesquet and Arnaud Prost will take part in two commercial space missions in 2027, as part of an agreement between France and the American company Vast.

Alumni

Exploration

Space

Videos

Perseverance collects first Martian sounds: explanation by Dr. Naomi Murdoch & Dr. Alexander Stott

Dr Naomi Murdoch, researcher in space instrumentation and planetary science, and Dr Alexander Stott, post-doctoral fellow, tell us more about the physical characteristics of Mars' atmosphere, in particular the speed of sound and its attenuation. These analyses were published in Nature on April 1, 2022 by an international team led by a teacher-researcher from Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier University, and including scientists from CNRS and ISAE-SUPAERO.

DEOS

Researcher

Space

Events

French-Korean workshop: “Cryogenic hydrogen for aviation”.

Event

Research

Science

Videos

Sylvestre Maurice, astrophysicist and ISAE-SUPAERO alumnus

Awarded a prize by the Académie des Sciences in 2020, Sylvestre Maurice #astrophysicist at the Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planétologie (IRAP) in Toulouse witnessed the landing of the #Perseverance rover on Mars on February 18, 2021. A historic moment for this enthusiast, who is also the scientific manager of the onboard SuperCam instrument. A 1990 graduate of ISAE-SUPAERO, Sylvestre Maurice tells us about his career.

Alumni

Researcher

Space

Videos

Discover... ISAE-SUPAERO's mobile ground robots

ISAE-SUPAERO - as a center for training through research, research training and innovation - has a wide range of research equipment used in its 6 research departments. Today, we'd like to introduce you to mobile ground robots! Whether robots, airplanes, cars or even telephones, all these technologies are equipped with perception systems. Depending on the application, these sources of information make it possible to perceive the environment in which a system is evolving, and also to measure its own characteristics, such as speed or acceleration. This multitude of data must then be used, cross-referenced and interpreted within the navigation system to obtain the vehicle's position, but also, in the case of mapping applications, that of surrounding objects. Within the DEOS NAVIRRES team, researchers are interested in navigation systems and their application in complex environments where sensor information may be degraded, erroneous or unavailable. Mobile acquisition platforms are being developed. These are equipped with cameras, lidars, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers, radars and inertial units, with the aim of obtaining the most efficient navigation system for the application in question. One of the team's research themes is the analysis of the degradation of sensor information, enabling the development of new robust and adaptive algorithms to compensate for environmental constraints. The aim is to make navigation systems more accurate and safer, for critical applications requiring strong reliability constraints, such as autonomous cars or exploration robotics.

DEOS

Videos

3 questions to Marie Delaroche, 3ᵉ year student and MDRS 293 crew commander

Since February 18, seven ISAE-SUPAERO engineering students have been living a simulated Martian life and carrying out experiments in collaboration with CNES and several research laboratories at The Mars Society's Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in UTAH (USA)! For the second time, the mission is led by a woman: Marie Delaroche, a passionate #spaceexplorer, who was already part of crew 275 departing in 2023. We asked her 3 questions to find out more about the challenges of this mission and her feelings as #flightcommander! Alongside her, three young women and three young men in their 2ᵉ year of #engineering studies have taken on the roles of astronomer, scientist, botanist, journalist, health worker and onboard engineer. They are all members of the Mars Club ISAE-SUPAERO, a student association for the popularization of science focused on the Red Planet and the missions dedicated to its exploration and study. They are currently experimenting with AI4U, the artificial intelligence that assists astronauts in their daily tasks (environmental measurements, voice recognition, emergency exercises). They are also conducting a science popularization experiment in collaboration with secondary school pupils. Inspired by the film The Martian, in which an astronaut grows potatoes on the Red Planet, the aim of this experiment is to compare plant growth in Martian soil with growth in terrestrial soil! To follow their adventure, click here: https://mars.bde-supaero.fr/

Space

Student club

Student life

News

ISAE-SUPAERO announces new partnership with ESA Academy to support future Master in Aerospace Engineering students

Aerospace

Master in Aerospace Engineering

Scholarship

News

Valentin LELOUP, quantum and optical telecommunications systems engineer: the quantum and space tandem

Valentin Leloup, R&D engineer at Thales, combines two fields of expertise: quantum physics and space. He holds an engineering degree from ISAE-SUPAERO 2022 and a Master 2 in fundamental physics and applications.

Alumni

News

Research

News

Landing on Mars: a unique experience for seven students

Seven ISAE-SUPAERO students have been selected to join the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in the United States. This replica of a Martian base will host the crew for four weeks, during which they will live in conditions similar to those found on Mars. The objective is to conduct experiments in situ in collaboration with research partners.

Space

Student club

Student life

Events

"Les Entretiens de Toulouse - Training through debate”: April 9 & 10, 2025 on the ISAE-SUPAERO campus

"Les Entretiens de Toulouse" has become a must-attend event for the aerospace industry. A forum for the exchange and transmission of skills, this training through debate provides an opening onto subjects with high industrial stakes. The 2025 edition of the Entretiens de Toulouse will take place on April 9 & 10, 2025, in person, at ISAE-SUPAERO!

Aeronautics

Artificial intelligence

Defence

Videos

Elena Lopez Contreras, a doctoral student in neuroergonomics at ISAE-SUPAERO, has won the Amelia Earhart Award

Prize

Research

Thesis

News

“My summer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory”: Axel’s account, a student on the TAS Astro Advanced Master’s programme

Since May, Axel Coulon has been interning at NASA's famous JPL in Los Angeles. He is working on detecting helicopter landing sites on Mars. A student in the MS TAS Astro programme, he recounts this incredible space adventure that took him from his native Lorraine to California.

Internship

Programme

Space

Pages

Job offers

Aeronautics

Aerospace

News

Researchers from ISAE-SUPAERO contributed to the success of the first images from ESA's Sentinel 2c observation satellite.

The Sentinel 2c Earth observation satellite, launched on 5 September as part of ESA's Copernicus mission, has delivered its first images. This success is partly due to the image sensor research team (CIMI) at ISAE-SUPAERO, which designed and oversaw the manufacture of the visible image sensors.

DEOS

Space

Events

Les Assises du New Space 2025: discussions and debates on NewSpace!

The 2025 edition of the Assises du New Space will be held this year on July 8-9, 2025 at the Centre des congrès de la Villette - Cité des sciences et de l'industrie in Paris. Aimed at all players in the French space ecosystem, this event is a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and debate around NewSpace, and to discover the latest technological innovations and project financing opportunities. Registration is now open!

Conference

Event

Round table

Pages

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

The Spaceflight Institute is the first institute dedicated to training in human spaceflight. In partnership with ISAE-SUPAERO, it offers an intensive training program that enables participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges of human spaceflight and to position themselves within a rapidly expanding ecosystem, marked by future lunar and Martian missions as well as the rapid emergence of commercial space stations and private initiatives in low Earth orbit.

Education

Innovation

Partner

News

Focus on... quantum physics at ISAE-SUPAERO: a student journey

DEOS

Doctoral student

Ingénieur généraliste (MSc)

News

ISAE-SUPAERO contributes to the Artemis IV mission with the SPSS seismology instrument

NASA selects the JPL/CNES instrument suite for the Artemis IV mission, paving the way for unprecedented exploration of the Moon’s internal structure at the South Pole.

DEOS

Exploration

Space

Videos

Training courses: space studies

Find out more about our courses and #information in the field of space! The space dimension is strongly developed within our various training courses, whether in specific streams or dedicated programs. French and international students alike are showing a keen interest in our educational programs in Earth observation and the sciences of the Universe, as well as in the design and operation of space systems. Space research and industry employ many ISAE-SUPAERO engineers. Explore the world of space!

Programme

Space

Pages

Learning, Decision, Optimisation (ADO) Scientific Group

DISC

Doctoral student

PhD

Videos

Sylvestre Maurice presents the SUPERCAM / Martian Exploration educational kit

The ‘SUPERCAM - Martian Exploration’ educational kit project was initiated by five partners: ISAE-SUPAERO, the Toulouse Academy, CNRS, CNES and Cité de l'espace. Under the guidance and supervision of astrophysicist Sylvestre Maurice, first-year students at ISAE-SUPAERO developed this educational tool to raise awareness of space exploration in classrooms, from sixth form to final year. This kit is available to middle and high school teachers and can be adapted to offer educational lessons related to this theme.

Diversity program

Equal opportunities

Researcher

News

Listening to the Martian past: ISAE-SUPAERO at the heart of the ExoMars mission

ESA's ExoMars Rosalind Franklin mission to explore Mars will carry a unique instrument for recording sound and atmospheric data from the planet. The Institute has been selected by ESA and CNES for this major scientific collaboration.

DEOS

Researcher

Science

Videos

Sophie Adenot is flying out on February 11th for a eight-month mission with Crew-12 on the ISS!

Today, the entire ISAE-SUPAERO community is coming together: students, staff, faculty, and alumni are showing their support for Sophie Adenot, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut and ISAE-SUPAERO alumna, as she embarks on a eight-month mission to the ISS. Sophie is the second French woman, 30 years after Claudie Haigneré, to fly on a long-duration mission. On the ISS, she will conduct around 200 scientific experiments, including 10 French experiments, covering fields such as medicine and materials physics. Have a good flight, Sophie. We will be following you throughout this amazing journey!

Alumni

Exploration

Space

Pages

Space Systems for Planetology and Applications (SSPA) Scientific Group

The “Space Systems for Planetology and Applications” (SSPA) scientific group focuses on one main area of research: The development of missions and associated technologies for geophysical exploration of the solar system.

DEOS

Doctoral student

PhD

News

Airbus Defence and Space and ISAE-SUPAERO train members of the Peruvian space agency

Twenty engineers from the Peruvian space agency attended a training course in Toulouse, jointly designed by ISAE-SUPAERO and Airbus Defence and Space, to develop their skills in the field of space systems and space missions.

DCAS

Short internship

Space

Videos

Discover... the ISAE-SUPAERO radio anechoic chamber

ISAE-SUPAERO – as a centre for training through research, research training and innovation – has a wide range of research equipment used within its six research departments. Today, we present the radio anechoic chamber! Drones and nanosatellites have many applications in the media, industry, agriculture and telecommunications sectors. These two types of platforms share the common constraint of having to carry complex systems in a small space. One of the key elements of on-board communication systems is the antenna, which must also be compact and lightweight. ISAE-SUPAERO, in collaboration with ENAC and ANYWAVES, is currently developing dielectric antennas made by 3D printing ceramics that meet the demanding criteria for integration on drones and nanosatellites. Thanks to the anechoic chamber available at ISAE-SUPAERO, researchers involved in the development of these original antennas can accurately characterise their radiation properties and thus validate the new technological solutions proposed.

DCAS

DEOS

News

Seven ISAE-SUPAERO students set out to conquer Mars in the Utah desert

For four weeks, seven engineering students will experience a simulation of life on Mars in the Utah desert in the United States. From 18th February to 16th March, they will conduct experiments in collaboration with CNES and several research laboratories at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS).

Space

Student club

World Alumni Days 2026: Testimonial from Steven Bouchired, a 1995 graduate of the general engineering program

Publication Date

29 July 2026

Category

Tag

Alumni

International

Testimonial

Testimonial from Steven Bouchired

Class of 1995, General Engineering programme

Surname, first name:
- BOUCHIRED, Steven
Nationality:
- French
Country of residence:
- Netherlands
Position, organisation:
- Head of the Galileo Mission Segment and Security Facility,
- European Space Agency
Sector:
- Space
Course studied at ISAE-SUPAERO:
- General Engineering
Year of graduation:
- 1995

Could you tell us about your career path?

Following my national service as a software developer for Alcatel in Vienna, Austria, I began my career in 1997 in research, having completed my engineering degree at ISAE-SUPAERO with a PhD in signal processing applied to telecommunications.

After a few exploratory roles as a software developer, I was recruited into the field of space telecommunications by a major group (Alcatel Espace, which would later become Thales Alenia Space), where I discovered systems engineering. After three years, I moved into the field of navigation, becoming head of design for the European Galileo system. This marked the start of 12 years living abroad with my family (six years in Rome, then six years in Germany).

In Germany, I joined Airbus Defence and Space to take the technical lead on the preliminary design phase of the EGNOS V3 project, for which we were awarded the design contract a few years later. I then had to return to Toulouse, where the project management team was to be based.

In 2020, I joined the European Space Agency in the Netherlands to set up the development of the second generation of the Galileo ground segment using Agile methods (a revolution in this context). Alongside my work, I joined an Air and Space Force reserve squadron specialising in cyber defence.

Today I speak five languages and have some incredible friends in many parts of Europe and around the world.

Why did you decide to pursue an international career?

As soon as the French state school system gave me the opportunity, I loved learning languages.

I started with German. I went on various language study trips to Germany and Austria during the summer, taking advantage of a twinning programme. I was always welcomed by lovely people keen to share their culture.

This sparked my interest in travelling, but I made a point of taking the time to live in the countries I visited – the only effective way to discover a culture.

Right from the start of my studies at ISAE-SUPAERO, I sought to go abroad, which wasn’t all that common at the time. I completed my end-of-course work placement and then my national service as a development worker in Vienna, Austria.

This confirmed my strong passion for life abroad and for multicultural exchanges, whilst remaining true to my own culture, for which I still consider myself something of an ambassador.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue an international career?

I’d advise giving it a go as soon as possible. There’s absolutely no risk in trying. Doing it early on, whilst you still have few ties, is undoubtedly easier. I’ve been lucky enough to have a family – my wife, and then my daughters – who share the same passion and have always been willing to come along with me, but not everyone is so fortunate.

So set off whilst you still can! Don’t put it off until tomorrow.

One word that would sum up your career?

Curiosity and a constant need for something new.

The Age of Pioneers: Reinventing Aviation with Hydrogen

Publication Date

28 July 2026

Category

Research

Tag

Aviation

DAEP

Decarbonization

Research

Hydrogen: A Major Area of Innovation at ISAE-SUPAERO

Small but strategic: the Mermoz drone, a flying hydrogen laboratory

By developing a small hydrogen-powered aircraft, ISAE-SUPAERO aims to make a tangible contribution to the decarbonisation of aviation through experimentation.

The full potential of this energy source is being explored:

performance,
constraints,
technological barriers,
as well as prospects for both civil aviation and defence.

To address these questions, scientists are adopting a resolutely experimental approach involving small quantities of hydrogen, enabling them to rapidly build up expertise whilst managing risks.

“We are testing theory against experimental validation, which is a powerful driver of innovation,” emphasises Jean-Marc Moschetta, professor of aerodynamics at ISAE-SUPAERO.

From gaseous hydrogen to liquid hydrogen

“For aviation, hydrogen will be liquid or it won’t be at all,” states the researcher. “Only the switch to liquid hydrogen will allow us to capitalise on hydrogen’s high energy density without suffering the weight penalty associated with pressurised gaseous hydrogen.”

Indeed, hydrogen pressurised to 300 bar requires very strong and heavy tanks, whereas in liquid form, it is possible to carry larger quantities of hydrogen whilst keeping the weight of the tanks under control. Furthermore, in liquid form, hydrogen takes up less space than in pressurised gaseous form.

For small aircraft, ranging from small drones to regional aeroplanes, hydrogen can be used to generate electricity via a fuel cell. An electric motor is then powered to drive a propeller. However, for heavier aircraft, the power requirements mean that hydrogen must be used in a combustion process.

This is why the turbofan engines fitted to current airliners must be adapted for this new fuel. Unlike kerosene, the exhaust gases released when using hydrogen do not contain CO₂ but consist mainly of water vapour and, potentially, lower levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Read: The First Franco-Korean Workshop on the Challenges of Cryogenic Hydrogen

Combining science and testing to master the liquid hydrogen propulsion system

Beyond the technical objective of flying the Mermoz drone 3,000 kilometres without emitting any CO₂, ISAE-SUPAERO’s interest lies in developing expertise in a disruptive technology that is still very poorly documented in the field of aeronautics, even though cryogenic hydrogen is commonly used in the launch vehicle sector.

There are specific constraints involved in integrating hydrogen into a commercial aircraft, particularly due to economic considerations, operational reliability, and safety on board and at airports.

“On a small scale, such as in the practical work offered to students on low-power propulsion systems, or using a mini-drone weighing less than 25 kg like Mermoz, we are experimenting,” emphasises Jean-Marc Moschetta, “with the implementation, within a short timeframe and with low risk, of systems representative of hydrogen aviation, covering operational aspects such as refuelling, leak tests, failure scenarios, mission profile optimisation, etc.”

A three-pronged strategy supported by partners

Researchers at ISAE-SUPAERO are focusing their work on three areas of research in collaboration with various laboratories, companies and institutions that provide support through programmes dedicated to this topic.

Thermal management and energy optimisation of the propulsion system

Hydrogen, carried on board either as a high-pressure gas or in liquid form at very low temperatures, can be used either in a combustion chamber to react with oxygen from the air and drive a turbine, or be brought into contact with oxygen via a proton exchange membrane in a fuel cell or hydrogen cell.

The latter produces, on the one hand, electricity to power a permanent magnetic motor; on the other hand, it also produces water, which must be discharged into the environment; and finally, heat, which, in the case of a cryogenic tank, is used to warm the hydrogen from the tank before it enters the cell.

“The optimisation of the hydrogen propulsion system involves an in-depth thermodynamic analysis, which formed the subject of a doctoral thesis defended in December 2025 under the joint supervision of ISAE-SUPAERO and the LAPLACE laboratory,” recalls Jean-Marc Moschetta. “Furthermore, certain specific phenomena, such as sloshing in liquid hydrogen tanks, are currently being modelled as part of planned collaborations with SIEMENS and CT Engineering,” adds the researcher.

On-board safety and operational safety

Compared with natural gas, a hydrogen leak produces a potentially explosive atmosphere at concentrations as low as 4%. Since the dihydrogen molecule is very small, leaks in distribution systems pose a real risk that requires hydrogen detectors and ventilation or nitrogen inerting measures.

A risk analysis using a ‘model engineering’ approach, calibrated against measurements taken on a test bench, is being carried out at ISAE-SUPAERO in collaboration with SIEMENS Software. The aim is to examine various failure scenarios and develop contingency plans.

Furthermore, handling hydrogen creates a psychological barrier linked to the hazardous nature of the material and its use. The historic Hindenburg airship disaster in 1937 still weighs heavily on people’s minds when it comes to gaining public acceptance.

Mastering cryogenics in the context of aviation

Modelling the propulsion system – and in particular the thermodynamic properties of the fuel tank (gravimetric index and evaporation rate) – is the cornerstone of hydrogen-powered aircraft design. This is the focus of the ARCHY (ARCHitecture of Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft) project, which began in January 2025 and is continuing in the form of a postdoctoral research programme in collaboration between ISAE-SUPAERO and ENAC, coordinated by the Institute for Sustainable Aviation (ISA) with the support of the Occitanie Region.

The aim is to study innovative architectures for medium- and long-haul commercial aircraft powered by hydrogen, as well as their impact on aviation’s decarbonisation pathways. This project involves collaboration with engineers from the AIRBUS ZeroE programme.

At the same time, the DRONE LIQUIDE project, supported by the Defence Innovation Agency of the Ministry of the Armed Forces, is developing an experimental approach to cryogenic hydrogen for aviation. It focuses on conducting ground and flight tests of an ultra-long-endurance drone powered by cryogenic hydrogen.

Launched in February 2025, this project will involve the acquisition of a titanium tank and the deployment of a hydrogen liquefier to refuel the drone prior to its catapult launch, as part of a partnership with the LAPLACE laboratory and H2-Pulse, the project lead. The acquisition of this mobile liquefier and the development of expertise in its operation are supported by the CRYOFLY project, funded in part by the Occitanie Region and the GENHyO programme – Hydrogen Generation in Occitanie.

The Mermoz drone takes to the skies

In 2023, the Mermoz drone, a flying laboratory developed by researchers at ISAE-SUPAERO, carried out its first flight tests whilst carrying gaseous hydrogen. 2026 will mark the first stage of flight tests using cryogenic hydrogen.

Thanks to the miniaturisation of the propulsion system, an in-depth analysis of all stages has enabled:

the design and construction of the drone, an iterative process carried out in collaboration with DAHER,
the management of operational aspects in conjunction with DELAIR,
the acquisition of a vehicle equipped for flight testing of instrumented drones, supported by

the CERTIDRONE project, linked to a State-Region Plan Contract (CPER) with the Occitanie Region,

the purchase, as part of this same equipment programme, of a Doppler Lidar and a catapult to facilitate take-off from unprepared terrain. Finally, an integration and flight test preparation workshop, known as DroneLab, serves as a base for fine-tuning the systems prior to field operations.

In addition to the on-board hydrogen, two other energy sources are being investigated to supplement the energy generated by the hydrogen fuel cell: photovoltaic energy (study currently underway with LAAS-CNRS), and wind-gradient energy harvesting, utilising the phenomenon of gradient lift commonly exploited by birds of the Southern Seas such as the albatross.

By 2027, the research team aims to carry out long-endurance flights using cryogenic hydrogen in a small fixed-wing drone (4 m wingspan, 13 kg). These flights are expected to take place at the Istres base with the support of the Flight Test Centre of the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA/EV).

Will the Mermoz drone, a century after Jean Mermoz’s feat, continue the same tradition of innovation and promise for aeronautics?

Experts Tackling the MERMOZ Challenge

Jean-Marc Moschetta,professor of aerodynamics at ISAE-SUPAERO

Nikola Gavrilovic, professor, modelling, design, flight testing, fine-tuning

Baptiste Legrand, postdoctoral researcher, safety analysis, system modelling

Romain Jan, postdoctoral researcher, thermodynamic and structural modelling of tanks

Dominique Bernard, safety pilot, flight preparation, on-board integration

Henri Dedieu, hydrogen technician, flight test equipment

Bastien Schnitzler, PhD student, optimal trajectory planning

Sofia Mertika, PhD student, thermodynamic modelling and energy optimisation

World Alumni Days 2026: Testimonial from Awadh Kapoor, 2017 graduate of the Master’s in Aerospace Engineering program

Publication Date

22 July 2026

Category

Tag

Alumni

International

Testimonial

Testimonial from Awadh Kapoor

2017 graduate of the Master’s in Aerospace Engineering program

Firstname – Lastname: Awadh Kapoor
Nationality: French
Country of residence: France
Job: Director – Aerospace & Defence
Studies at ISAE-SUPAERO :
- Master in aerospace engineering,
- Sem 1 : Aerospace Mechanics – Aerodynamics, CFD, Flight Dynamics, Propulsion
- Sem 2 : Aerospace Structures – Sizing and calculating structures ( FEA) , Composite studies
- Sem 3 : Systems Engineering
Year of graduation: 2017

Can you tell us about your background?

I come from a small town in the foothills of the Himalayas in India, and over the years I have built my life and career in France, at the crossroads of cultural diversity, technology, and my passion for aerospace. I often say that India is the land that gave me my roots, and France is the land that gave me my wings — the place where I found my professional purpose and built my future.

My academic path from ISAE-SUPAERO and Manipal University gave me a strong foundation in technology, strategy, and problem-solving, which I later applied in consulting and enterprise transformation roles.

Professionally, I started in advisory work with PwC, supporting aerospace and defence clients, before moving closer to the industry through Airbus-related strategic transformation work. I then joined Microsoft, where I now focus on Digital and AI Strategy for Aerospace, Defence and Public Sector customers.

My work involves engaging with senior executives, governments, defence organisations, and industrial leaders across Europe and beyond, helping them use cloud, AI, data, and sovereign technology to solve complex operational and strategic challenges.

Why did you decide to pursue an international career?

I decided to pursue an international career because my personal and professional journey has always been shaped by crossing borders — culturally, geographically, and intellectually. Coming from India and building my life and career in France gave me a natural appreciation for different perspectives, ways of working, and definitions of success. I learned early that the most interesting problems are rarely local or one-dimensional; they sit at the intersection of cultures, industries, governments, and technologies.

Professionally, I was drawn to sectors such as aerospace, defence, technology, and AI because they are inherently international. Aircraft, defence systems, cloud platforms, supply chains, and digital ecosystems are never built by one country or one company alone. They require collaboration between governments, industrial partners, engineers, strategists, regulators, and customers across multiple geographies. That complexity motivated me.

An international career also gave me the opportunity to continuously reinvent myself. Moving from consulting to industry transformation and then to Microsoft allowed me to work with different types of organisations, from aerospace companies to public sector institutions and defence ecosystems. Each environment taught me something different: consulting taught me structure and client orientation; aerospace and defence taught me industrial complexity and mission focus; Microsoft taught me scale, technology leadership, and the importance of partnerships.

On a more personal level, I wanted a career that would stretch me. Working internationally forces you to listen more carefully, communicate more clearly, and adapt your leadership style. You learn that intelligence alone is not enough; you also need empathy, cultural awareness, humility, and resilience. For me, that has been one of the most valuable parts of the journey.

Ultimately, I chose an international path because I wanted my work to have broader impact. Whether it is helping a defence organisation think about sovereign AI, supporting an aerospace company in its digital transformation, or building bridges between European industry and global technology platforms, I enjoy working on challenges that matter beyond one market. An international career has allowed me to combine ambition, curiosity, and purpose.

What advice would you give to someone looking for an international career?

One word: adaptability.

My advice would be to build adaptability before anything else. An international career is not only about speaking different languages or working in different countries. It is about being able to understand different cultures, business expectations, communication styles, and decision-making environments.

First, become very good at something specific. International opportunities often come to people who bring a clear skill or expertise: technology, finance, strategy, engineering, sales, policy, data, or another strong domain. Your passport may open a door, but your competence keeps you in the room.

Second, learn to communicate simply. When working across cultures, clarity matters more than complexity. Avoid jargon, listen actively, and make sure people understand not only what you are saying, but why it matters.

Third, build a network before you need it. International careers are often shaped by relationships: mentors, colleagues, clients, alumni, and people who believe in your potential. Be generous, stay curious, and maintain relationships across countries and industries.

Fourth, be comfortable with discomfort. Moving countries, changing sectors, or working with global teams can be exciting, but it can also be lonely, confusing, and humbling. You may need to prove yourself again in every new environment. That is normal. Treat it as part of the growth.

Finally, do not try to erase where you come from. Your background is an advantage. The ability to connect different worlds, cultures, and perspectives can become your strongest professional differentiator. An international career rewards people who are both deeply rooted and globally open. My key takeaway would be: don’t just cross borders to build a career — become the bridge that helps others cross them too.

“Without research, we wouldn’t be able to train our students to this standard” In-depth interview with Xavier Carbonneau, Deputy Director of Research

Publication Date

20 July 2026

Category

Research

Tag

Research

“Without research, we wouldn’t be able to train our students to this standard”

How does ISAE-SUPAERO integrate hydrogen into its engineering programmes?

Xavier Carbonneau: Our scientific strategy spans a wide range of fields – aerospace systems, defence, Earth observation, space exploration, telecommunications and data analysis – including energy optimisation – across our five research departments, thanks to numerous collaborative projects. These technological advances are shaping the future of key sectors such as mobility. It is essential that the knowledge and advances resulting from our research directly inform our degree programmes.

The use of hydrogen in aeronautics is one of the major fields on which scientists and industry professionals are currently working. At ISAE-SUPAERO, we are conducting several research programmes on this topic, notably focusing on innovative propulsion systems, cryogenic storage, the integration of fuel cells into aeronautical architectures, and the safety and certification challenges associated with hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Our students are naturally curious and motivated by these forward-looking topics. We offer them a range of teaching approaches that enable them to gain an introduction to these subjects and then deepen their knowledge. Hydrogen technology is covered in several modules, with varying levels of focus depending on the objectives. A range of optional modules enables students to explore topics ranging from the design of hydrogen-powered aircraft and their propulsion systems to certification. One such example is a 60-hour elective course entitled “Introduction to Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft“, which includes theoretical modules on the use of hydrogen on board an aircraft, with 50% of the course devoted to practical exercises. We can also mention the new Advanced Master’s programme in Sustainable Aviation, dedicated to teaching students about hydrogen for aviation, as well as a course on risk analysis for the certification of hydrogen-powered aircraft.

We are constantly adapting our programmes in line with the most significant advances. Let me be clear: without research, we would not be able to train our students to this level of excellence.

What kind of engineers do you train, particularly in the field of hydrogen?

XC: Our aim is to train engineers capable of designing the technological systems of tomorrow. We do not merely impart theoretical knowledge: we train our students to handle complex data, master advanced concepts, integrate safety considerations into these new technologies, and, above all, develop a rigorous experimental approach.

That is why we expose them to experimental situations that closely mirror real-world industrial challenges. The practical component accounts for around 50% of the teaching and projects we offer them. Through project-based or ‘design office’ teaching formats, for example, we ask them to envisage the hydrogen propulsion system of the future and to design it without any initial constraints, precisely to stimulate innovation and creativity.

This integration of teaching, research and innovation is the very hallmark of ISAE-SUPAERO, which fully embraces its dual mission of higher education and research. The two are inseparable and reinforce one another. A specific example is the Mermoz Challenge, supported by numerous research contracts, in which many students take part at different stages of their studies; it serves as a model of project-based learning that enables future ISAE-SUPAERO engineers to acquire practical expertise, going beyond the theoretical knowledge we can otherwise provide them with.

What research resources does ISAE-SUPAERO make available to support hydrogen-related training initiatives in the Occitanie region?

XC: Hydrogen is one of the main areas of our research into decarbonisation, on which we have been working for around ten years now. We have developed several projects for which we have acquired significant testing facilities.

When the GENHYO project – GENération HYdrogène Occitanie – was launched as part of the ‘Skills and Professions of the Future’ call for expressions of interest, ISAE-SUPAERO naturally positioned itself as a key player. This project aims to accelerate the adaptation of training programmes, from the CAP to the PhD level, to the skills requirements of the decarbonised hydrogen sector.

We are working closely with the Occitanie academic region and all stakeholders in the regional sector, with the support of the Occitanie Region. Today, GENHYO brings together 27 partners: secondary schools, universities and engineering schools. The project is structured around four strategic objectives: to train all target groups – secondary school pupils, sixth-formers, students, jobseekers, employees, elected representatives and the general public; to train 1,500 trainers; to promote careers in the low-carbon hydrogen sector; and to develop forward-looking analyses to continuously adapt training programmes to emerging needs.

In this context, we have chosen to open up our testing facilities to partner training organisations to create a genuine continuum of training. We have set up an educational platform equipped with five dedicated hands-on workstations. The aim by 2027 is to regularly host different groups to enable them to carry out practical experiments. At the same time, we are working with our Digital Innovations and Aerospace Education team on the digitalisation of testing, which will significantly facilitate hands-on training and enable remote practical sessions.

How do you see the role of hydrogen evolving in the training of aerospace engineers over the coming years?

XC: Hydrogen will become an essential part of aerospace engineering education, quite simply because it represents one of the most promising solutions for decarbonising the sector.

This implies a profound change in our training programmes. We must prepare our students to master not only the technical aspects – storage, distribution, combustion and fuel cells – but also the systemic dimensions: integration into the aircraft’s overall architecture, certification, safety and full life-cycle analysis.

The challenge is also to train engineers capable of engaging with the entire ecosystem, as hydrogen is not limited to the aircraft itself. It is this systemic approach that we must instil. Driven by this ambition, every year we support the 40 students in the HydroArt club as they work towards designing a scale model of a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft.

Finally, I would say that we also have a responsibility towards future generations: to give them the tools to innovate, of course, but also to question, evaluate and make the right technological and environmental choices. This is the very essence of our commitment to GENHYO and our openness towards all stakeholders.

A team of researchers from the École de l’Air et de l’Espace and ISAE-SUPAERO received the Best Paper Award from the journal “Aviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors”

Publication Date

20 July 2026

Category

Research

Tag

Aviation

DCAS

Human factors

Neuroergonomics

Prize

Research

The study highlights the impact of expertise on the visual strategies of military pilots

The study focused on the influence of expertise and visual strategies on piloting accuracy. For this work, 38 pilots with different levels of experience (student pilots, cadets, experts) performed climbing, descending, and turning maneuvers on a Cirrus SR20 flight simulator while being equipped with an eye-tracking device.

The Cirrus SR20 training simulator is used in the training of fighter pilots at Ecole de l’Air. The military pilot wears a head-mounted eye-tracking device.

The maneuvers included performing turns and altitude changes, typical of those carried out during fighter pilot training exercises. The pilots were equipped with an eye-tracking system that makes it possible to precisely determine which area the pilot’s gaze is focused on.

The analysis revealed that expertise plays a major role in controlling flight parameters. Compared to novice pilots with limited flight hours, more experienced pilots maintain heading, altitude, speed, and aircraft bank angle more precisely during the different maneuvers studied.

Eye-tracking reveals characteristic visual behaviors of expertise

Beyond piloting performance, the researchers highlighted significant differences in visual scanning strategies. Expert pilots devote more attention to certain key instruments, particularly the attitude indicator (“pitch”), which provides essential information about the aircraft’s vertical trajectory. This was especially true when maneuvers required changes in altitude.

These results suggest that expertise relies not only on superior technical control, but also on an enhanced ability to quickly select relevant information in a complex environment. Experienced pilots use their gaze more strategically in order to anticipate the adjustments needed to control the aircraft.

Promising perspectives for pilot training

The conclusions of this study confirm the potential of eye-tracking technologies to enhance aviation training methods. By identifying the visual strategies associated with the highest levels of performance, this work could help develop new educational tools capable of supporting student pilots in acquiring expert behaviors.

The research is ongoing, and the scientists are currently working on the integration of eye-tracking systems that can provide real-time feedback on pilots’ visual attention, in order to guide their learning and further improve the safety of flight operations. A “dashboard” is also being developed to provide a highly pedagogical summary of the pilot’s visual performance following a simulator session. This dashboard could be used by instructors at Ecole de l’Air.

Réference:

Vantrepotte, Q., Dubois, E., Camachon, C., Causse, M. (2025). "Effect of pilot expertise on visual scanning and precision of flight maneuvers in military aviation." Aviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors.

This work was supported by the Agence de l'innovation de défense (AID) and is now still undergoing thanks to another AID funding (VISTAS project).

An ISAE-SUPAERO PhD student has been awarded the ONERA 2026 PhD Student Prize

Publication Date

15 July 2026

Category

Research

Tag

PhD

Prize

Research

A career focused on research in acoustics

After completing a dual bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Musicology, followed by a Master’s in Engineering Sciences, specialising in Physical Acoustics, at Sorbonne University, Lucie Schwoebel joined ISAE-SUPAERO and ONERA to undertake a PhD thesis entitled ‘Temporal representation of the non-linear acoustic impedance of structured absorbent materials ’.

This topic lies at the heart of efforts to reduce noise pollution in the aeronautics sector and draws on advanced expertise in modelling and acoustics.

Research for the future of aviation

The research focuses on modelling the acoustic behaviour of sound-absorbing materials used, in particular, in aircraft nacelles to reduce the noise generated by jet engines.

Subject to particularly severe operating conditions — high noise levels, significant flow over their surfaces and broadband noise sources — these materials require new models capable of representing their behaviour in the time domain.

Ultimately, this research will lead to a better understanding of the behaviour of complex acoustic materials in extreme environments and will contribute to the design of multilayer materials offering optimised absorption performance for future generations of aircraft.

Recognition of scientific excellence

Awarded annually following the ONERA PhD Students’ Days, the Fluid Mechanics and Energy PhD Students’ Prize recognises a third-year PhD student for the quality of their scientific approach, their research output and their oral presentation, as well as for the expected benefits of their work for ONERA.

This award highlights the quality of the research carried out jointly by ISAE-SUPAERO and ONERA, as well as its contribution to scientific advances in the field of acoustics applied to aeronautics.

ICCAS 2026: Artificial Intelligence for Operational Decision-Making

Publication Date

19 June 2026

Category

Research

Tag

Aeronautics

Aviation

Conference

DCAS

Human factors

Neuroergonomics

Research

An edition that confirms the conference’s international standing

This fourth edition brought together 169 participants representing 23 different nationalities, with a balanced split of 45 per cent from industry and 55 per cent from academia. The programme comprised 28 oral presentations, two keynote speeches by Anne-Marie Brouwer and Wendy Mackay, as well as 30 posters and 10 demonstrations. Three companies (HAT.tec, Tobii and Ephyca) also had stands to showcase their solutions.

Organised around the key themes of embedded artificial intelligence,human-system interaction, neuroergonomics and autonomous systems, the conference offers an integrated perspective combining cutting-edge academic research with concrete operational applications.

A strong focus on practical application

This edition of ICCAS stands out for its resolutely application-oriented focus: the work presented centres on proof-of-concept projects that are very close to deployment, with advanced levels of technological maturity. Researchers validate their methods using realistic scenarios (flight simulators, flight tests, collaborative platforms) before considering their integration into future operational systems.

Another new feature this year was the demonstrations session, where researchers and engineers presented their systems in action. Among the standout demonstrations were human-machine interface concepts for fighter aircraft, an estimation of mental state using cameras, a test bed for collaboration between humans and autonomous systems, modular tools for robotic planning and execution, and a gaze-aware reinforcement learning system for human-AI collaboration.

An exemplary collaboration between industry and academia

ICCAS brings together a unique international community of academic, institutional and industrial researchers focused on the design and architecture of cognitive aerial systems. Alongside Dassault Aviation, major partners such as Thales, Airbus, Cap Gemini, DGA Essais en Vol, TNO and the US Air Force Research Laboratory accounted for 40 per cent of the institutional and industrial stakeholders present, alongside researchers from ISAE-SUPAERO, research laboratories at international universities and grandes écoles.

This dynamic illustrates the model championed by Dassault Aviation and ISAE-SUPAERO within the framework of the CASAC Chair: industry articulates its needs to address operational challenges, academic research proposes innovative methods and tools, and the Chair ensures cross-fertilisation between these two worlds: a collaborative effort underpinned by a shared commitment to accelerating the emergence of smart aviation in the interests of safety.

The main theme of this year’s event: AI for operational decision-making

The 2026 edition placed the issue of autonomy in the service of humanity at the heart of its discussions: how can AI tools help a military pilot or a drone operator to make the right decision at the right time, in a constrained environment, without replacing their judgement? This question, which brings together ethics, systems engineering, cognitive psychology and operational performance, lies at the heart of the challenges facing French and European technological sovereignty in the defence sector.

Among the topics discussed were behavioural and neurophysiological monitoring of operators, eco-friendly and augmented human-machine interfaces, cooperative algorithms with mixed initiative, the certification of embedded AI, and single-pilot or extended-crew operations.

As Caroline Chanel, a professor at ISAE-SUPAERO, points out: “AI is already being used in simulators and will soon be on actual aircraft; today we must ensure that this AI is understandable, reliable, certified and accepted by crews – essential conditions for its operational deployment. ICCAS is precisely the place where this convergence takes place.”

This event is co-organised by ISAE-SUPAERO, Dassault Aviation and the ISAE-SUPAERO Foundation, and is supported by the CASAC Chair, ANITI and AFIA. The 2026 conference was chaired by Caroline Chanel, Frédéric Dehais and Patrick Fabiani, general chairs of ICCAS.

A photo round-up of the conference

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/