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Historical Discovery: Mercury Does Indeed Have Electron Radiation Belts

Publication Date

04 August 2026

Category

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 This discovery, based on an analysis of data from the MESSENGER mission and supported by previously unpublished observations from the BepiColombo mission’s MEA (Mercury Electron Analyzer) instrument, sheds new light on the physics of planetary magnetospheres and raises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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At ISAE-SUPAERO, Stéphanie Lizy-Destrez heads SaCLaB, a research laboratory focusing on future space systems. A professor of space systems engineering, she has just been elected to the French Air and Space Academy.

Award

Space

Teacher researcher

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

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

Pages

Learning, Decision, Optimisation (ADO) Scientific Group

DISC

Doctoral student

PhD

Events

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

Event

Research

Science

News

Hera probe captures exceptional images of Mars and its moon Deimos

DEOS

Researcher

Science

Pages

Connected Systems (SysCo) Scientific Group

The scientific dynamic of the “Connected Systems” (SysCo) scientific group focuses primarily on network-related issues in aerospace applications, i.e. space communications, embedded networks and certain types of connected systems.

DISC

Doctoral student

PhD

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

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

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

Meteorite impact reveals new insights into Mars

In September 2021, NASA's InSight mission recorded a meteorite impact. Analysis of the data by scientists has revolutionised our understanding of the internal structure of Mars and its evolution. Its mantle is not homogeneous, as previously assumed, but composed of a layer of molten silicates overlying the core. Press release from the IPGP - Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris: ‘The InSight mission reveals a molten layer at the base of the Martian mantle’.

DEOS

Space

Events

AASTRA Certificate: Introductory Webinar on July 9 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Aeronautics

Aerospace

Air transport

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

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

Videos

SUPERCAM Educational Kits / Martian Exploration: Students at the controls of the kits

Follow ISAE-SUPAERO students as they create educational kits, a digital educational tool designed to raise awareness of space exploration that can be used in classrooms from Year 7 to Year 13.

Diversity program

Equal opportunities

Space

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

Events

16th EASN International Conference

Aeronautics

Aerospace

Event

News

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"

A team of researchers from Ecole de l'air et de l'Espace and ISAE-SUPAERO and their partners have received the Best Paper Award in the Aviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors journal. The official award ceremony will take place during the European Conference on Aviation Psychology (EAAP) in The Hague in September 2026.

Aviation

DCAS

Human factors

Pages

Our Semester & Short Programmes

Discover ISAE-SUPAERO's academic excellence through our semester and short programmes, open to international students.

Aeronautics

Aerospace

Aerospace summer program

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CASTOR Chair: ISAE-SUPAERO and Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse celebrate 1 year of partnership

Aeronautics

Chair

Partnership

Videos

ISAE-SUPAERO and Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology work on student space exploration projects

ISAE-SUPAERO received a visit from Professor Shine S R of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) on December 7 and 8. ISAE-SUPAERO signed a co #cooperation agreement with the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology in 2020 and this visit was a perfect opportunity to discuss the deepening of #training and #research collaborations between our two institutions. ISAE-SUPAERO and IIST have already been cooperating for 4 years within the framework of Franco-Indian collaborative academic projects, involving students from ISAE-SUPAERO and IIST on subjects related to space exploration missions and with the participation of experts from CNES, IRAP and the Indian space agency (ISRO)!

Space

Pages

Support for the Development of the ISAE Group - GIFAS

GIFAS (Groupement des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales - French Aerospace Industries Group) supports the development of high-level academic and professional education in aerospace systems at the 6 Grandes Écoles that make up the ISAE Group (ISAE-ENSMA, ISAE-SUPMECA, ESTACA, Ecole de l'Air et de l'Espace, ENAC, ISAE-SUPAERO).

Aeronautics

Aerospace

Chair

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

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

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

News

An exceptional scholarship for an innovative project

Naomi Murdoch, a researcher in physics and planetology at ISAE-SUPAERO, has just been awarded the prestigious Consolidator Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) for her planetary body study project called GRAVITE. This ambitious scientific project aims to design a variable gravity machine that will enable the simulation and study of extraterrestrial soils.

DEOS

Scholarship

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

Videos

The Dart mission has hit its target: explanations from Dr Naomi Murdoch, planetary scientist at ISAE-SUPAERO

Researchers from ISAE-SUPAERO are participating in this first planetary defence mission. Dr. Naomi Murdoch, a researcher at ISAE-SUPAERO and scientific member of the #DART and #HERA missions, comments on the objectives of DART and those of the European HERA mission, which will arrive in the area in 2026 to characterise the crater left by DART and study the internal structure of the asteroid #Dimorphos!

DEOS

Researcher

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

News

MMX, Idefix® and cameras to understand Mars' moon

Studying the formation and origin of Mars' moons and bringing back samples: this is the extraordinary, ambitious international mission led by JAXA, in which ISAE-SUPAERO is participating alongside CNES.

DEOS

Researcher

Space

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

Arnaud Prost, ESA reserve astronaut and ISAE-SUPAERO alumnus: “I was incredibly lucky to be here”

Fighter pilot and reserve astronaut with the European Space Agency (ESA), Arnaud Prost returned to his former school on Thursday March 28 to meet 200 secondary school students as part of the ISAE SUPAERO OSE program. It was an opportunity for him to recall the “great memories” of his student experience at ISAE-SUPAERO, his long-standing commitment to the student social outreach program and the “Aquanauts” scheme he set up with OSE l'ISAE-SUPAERO. And in passing, he offers a few words of advice to young people who might dream of following in his footsteps: “Don't let yourself be convinced that one of these paths isn't for you!” A 2017 graduate of ISAE-SUPAERO, Arnaud Prost is among those selected for the ESA Astronaut Class of 2022, alongside Sophie Adenot and Anthea Comellini, both also alumni of the school. They join other illustrious ESA astronauts who have already studied at the school: Thomas Pesquet, Luca Parmitano and Samantha Cristoforetti. Since 1970, ISAE-SUPAERO has contributed to the progress of the space age through its training, research and innovation activities. As the only organization in France to offer degree courses (engineering, master's, specialized master's, doctorate) covering all 22 space-related themes identified by CNES, the Institute offers a royal road to space careers. For Arnaud Prost's full profile: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/A

Alumni

Diversity program

Space

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3 questions to... Marie-Bertille Mosnier, S-Cube member from 2018 to 2022

Meet Marie-Bertille Mosnier, member of the S-Cube - SUPAERO Space Section - ISAE-SUPAERO's experimental rocket club, from 2018 to 2022.

Space

Student club

Student life

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Communication and Information Theory (ComiT) Scientific Group

The “Communication and Information Theory” (ComiT) scientific group is involved in the disciplines of digital communications, radar, and channel access techniques. Its fields of application include space systems, civil and military aviation, terrestrial cellular networks and the Internet of Things (IoT).

DEOS

Doctoral program

Doctoral student

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

The space sector is undergoing profound change driven by New Space, accelerating technological innovation, and environmental challenges. These transformations are leading to rapid changes in the careers and skills required within the industry. In this context, COMETES is launching a platform dedicated to space-related skills, careers, and training.

Education

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

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

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

Testimonials

Testimony of Juan-Carlos DOLADO-PEREZ, alumni of the 2008 Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Alumni

Space

Testimonial

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

Events

The "Assises du NewSpace" returns on July 7 & 8, 2026!

Event

Space

News

The Jupiter system: a unique laboratory for a major scientific breakthrough

Nicolas André, teacher-researcher at ISAE-SUPAERO, co-authors a major discovery in Nature Communications.

DEOS

Exploration

Space

Events

2026 edition of "Les Entretiens de Toulouse"

Aeronautics

Aerospace

Event

Testimonials

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

Advanced Master

Aerospace

Space

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

Design and Analysis of Critical Systems (CASC) Scientific Group

The “Design and Analysis of Critical Systems” (CASC) scientific group focuses on methods, processes and tools to support System Engineering and Systems Engineering.

DISC

Doctoral student

PhD

Testimonials

Testimony of Giuseppe Cataldo, alumnus of the 2010 Engineer ISAE-SUPAERO programme

Alumni

Space

Testimonial

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

The Age of Pioneers: Reinventing Aviation with Hydrogen

For the past ten years at ISAE-SUPAERO, research into hydrogen has established itself as a major focus of innovation in support of the aviation sector’s energy transition. Now, more than ever, the pioneering spirit drives the Institute’s researchers. The Mermoz hydrogen-powered drone project builds on the legendary legacy of the Aéropostale and Jean Mermoz’s 1930 flight across the South Atlantic. Almost a century later, "Défi Mermoz" is in turn taking up a technological challenge, closely aligned with industrial priorities, without waiting until 2050!

Aviation

DAEP

Decarbonization

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

Pages

Scientific and research integrity

ISAE-SUPAERO is one of the signatories of the National Charter of Ethics for Research Professions, adopted in January 2015 by the Conference of University Presidents (CPU) and all national research organizations, and incorporated into the Institute's internal regulations.

DAEP

DCAS

DEOS

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

News

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

Aeronautics

Event

Fair

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Mars mission simulation: a scientific experiment, a human adventure

Like nine other ISAE-SUPAERO crews before them, seven students took part in a simulation of life on Mars in the Utah desert in the United States this winter.

Space

Student club

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

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Space

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Our Specialised Studies Certificates

Our specialised studies certificates are designed for professionals. They enable you to develop skills and expertise in the fields of digital, aeronautics, space, project management, systems engineering, and artificial intelligence.

Advanced Master

Aeronautics

Aerospace

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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.

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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

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Navigation, Radar, and Remote Sensing (NAVIR² eS) Scientific Group

The “Navigation, Radar and Remonte Sensing” (NAVIR² eS) scientific group is interested in the theoretical study of information sources and hybridization approaches for autonomous vehicle navigation applications.

DEOS

Doctoral student

PhD

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Integrated Image Sensors (CIMI) Scientific Group

The “Integrated Image Sensors” (CIMI) scientific group, develops and characterizes active-pixel image sensors (CMOS Image Sensors (CIS)) on silicon for visible and infrared radiation.

DEOS

Doctoral student

PhD

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Semester Research Projects

Take your studies to the next level by participating in a semester-long research project at ISAE-SUPAERO: immerse yourself in cutting-edge laboratories alongside international experts and contribute to advances in aeronautics and space technology.

Aeronautics

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Prior Experience Accreditation

The validation of prior experience is an individual right enshrined in the French Labor Code and Education Code. It enables candidates to obtain all - or part - of a professional certification (Diploma, Professional Title, Certificate of Professional Qualification), based on their professional, salaried or non-salaried and/or voluntary experience. This scheme can be used if the candidate is seeking personal recognition, or more generally to support a professional project that he or she wishes to put into practice.

Advanced Master

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Capturing the seismic activity of an asteroid: our Apophis rendezvous

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ISAE-SUPAERO and Spaceflight Institute join forces to train tomorrow's manned flight experts

On July 29, 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 semester-long program aims to train a new generation of space professionals, combining academic excellence with operational expertise.

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

Lucie Schwoebel, a third-year doctoral student at ISAE-SUPAERO working on a thesis co-funded by ONERA, has been awarded the 2026 Doctoral Student Prize in the field of Fluid Mechanics and Energy. This award recognizes the excellence of her research on the acoustics of sound-absorbing materials used in aeronautics.

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Discover... the ISAE-SUPAERO plasma bench

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 white plasma! With the emergence of #NewSpace, more and more CubeSats are being launched. On these small platforms (CubeSats consist of one or more standard 10 cm cubes), several subsystems must coexist. While electric propulsion solutions save space and weight on board, their electromagnetic compatibility with on-board communication systems is still being questioned today. ISAE-SUPAERO, in collaboration with CNES and LAPLACE, is currently developing simulation tools and characterisation methods to provide engineers with tools for designing CubeSats and effective testing methods to address this issue. This experimental bench developed at ISAE-SUPAERO allows the characterisation of a plasma discharge representative of an electric thruster, as well as the measurement of its interactions with microwave signals generated by nearby communication antennas. Finally, the experimental data obtained will be used to calibrate the numerical analysis tools currently being developed by our teams.

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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.

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AASTRA Certificate: presentation webinar on March 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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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.

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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

“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).

Deterministic QoS Guarantees in Next -Generation LEO Satellite Constellations

Publication Date

16 July 2026

Category

Tag

DISC

Job offer

Thesis

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations — such as Starlink, OneWeb, Kuiper, and Telesat Lightspeed — are rapidly becoming a cornerstone of next-generation communication infrastructures and future 6G networks.

With thousands of satellites orbiting at altitudes between 500 and 2000 km, these systems offer unprecedented global coverage combined with significantly lower latency than traditional geostationary systems. The emergence of LEO constellations opens transformative opportunities for time-sensitive applications. These applications demand deterministic end-to-end delay guarantees — strict, provable upper bounds on latency — rather than best-effort performance. However, providing such guarantees in LEO constellations remains an open and largely unsolved problem.

Preliminary research conducted at ISAE-SUPAERO has demonstrated that Network Calculus (NC), a mathematical framework for computing worst-case performance bounds in communication networks, can be successfully adapted to LEO satellite constellations. This PhD aims to develop a comprehensive analytical and algorithmic framework for deterministic QoS guarantees in dynamic LEO satellite constellations within a collaborative project PEPR FRONTIER funded by the ANR with many partners like CNRS, Sorbonne Université et mines-Telecom Bretagne.

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.

Research Engineer – Structural Dynamics

Publication Date

30 June 2026

Category

Tag

DMSM

Job offer

The engineer will contribute to all work packages within the CRÉSAT project, playing a central role in experimental developments. Their work will be carried out in close collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher recruited for the project at the École de l’Air et de l’Espace (EAE).

Their tasks will focus primarily on the preliminary design and development of several deployable-structure prototypes, with increasing fidelity, ranging from beam-type structures to truss-type architectures. Particular attention will be paid to replicating operational conditions, notably in microgravity environments and under shock-type loads. The dynamic characterisation of the various systems will provide input for the project’s numerical models.

The project is based on an innovative approach combining hybrid control and a wave-based representation of structural behaviour. Based on the phenomena of wave propagation, reflection and absorption, this approach notably introduces the concept of anechoic termination, which aims to limit unwanted reflections and confine vibrational energy. The hybrid control system will therefore aim to implement this type of termination experimentally. In this context, the engineer will play a key role in the experimental validation and development of the control strategy, initially passive and subsequently hybrid. In particular, he or she will be involved in the design of control laws and their real-time implementation using data acquisition systems (such as dSPACE).

Finally, particular attention will be paid to identifying and accounting for any non-linear phenomena, notably those induced by the junctions between the various structural elements.

Malaury Fouet, an engineering apprentice at Airbus, wins first prize in the “My Apprenticeship in 180 Seconds” public speaking contest

Publication Date

29 June 2026

Category

Education

Tag

« Ingénieur ISAE-SUPAERO » by apprenticeship

Apprenticeship

Prize

A public speaking competition to promote apprenticeships

“My Apprenticeship in 180 Seconds (MA180s)” is a public speaking competition organised by CFA Midisup, in collaboration with the CFA des Universités Centre-Val de Loireand theANASUP network.

The aim of this project is to showcase higher education apprentices through a challenge:

To describe their apprenticeship experience in 180 seconds flat.

In three minutes, each candidate must give an insight into their journey, their responsibilities, their achievements and what the work-study programme has brought them.

What counts? Eloquence, the ability to explain technical terms and to make the link between your work responsibilities and your work-study programme.

Much more than just a public speaking challenge, this competition is arewarding experience that helps develop key skills such as public speaking, structuring a speech, communication and self-confidence.

Out of the 50 apprentice candidates from across Occitanie, ten finalists were selected back in February to take part in the competition final held on 11 June.

This selection marked the start of several months of intensive preparation, including three coaching sessions led by drama teachers.

Since applications were submitted in January, a great deal of groundwork has been carried out: successive rewrites of the texts, careful consideration of word choice, rhythm, intonation and the intention behind each sentence, all with a view to crafting a performance that is both authentic and impactful.

At the end of the three minutes allotted to present her background, her learning journey and what this experience has brought her – both professionally and personally – it was Malaury Fouet who ultimately won first prize in this very first edition of the competition.

A look back at her journey and her experience 👇

Malaury Fouet, engineering student at ISAE-SUPAERO

Winner of the MA180s competition

Surname – First name: Malaury Fouet
Education: Industrial Engineering degree
Company: Airbus

Through my participation in the ‘My Apprenticeship in 180 Seconds’ competition, I wanted to send a strong message about equal opportunities.

By recounting my journey, from my rural home in Ariège to the Airbus hangars, I wanted to show that an apprenticeship can be a fantastic stepping stone to an engineering degree, which can sometimes seem out of reach.

This competition was also an opportunity to pay tribute to the people who believed in me, particularly my maths teacher, Laetitia, who recognised my interest in aeronautics when I was just 11 years old and encouraged me to pursue this path.

This recognition has now strengthened my commitment to secondary school pupils, particularly through the OSE L’ISAE-SUPAERO association, to encourage them to believe in their ambitions and never give up on their dreams.

Finally, this challenge gave me the opportunity to shed light on my day-to-day life as an apprentice at Airbus by explaining, in just three minutes, my responsibilities and how the theoretical knowledge gained at university complements the practical experience acquired in the workplace.

“What stands out most for me is the realisation that a simple message can sometimes open a door.

So if you’re in doubt, if you’re hesitating, if you think a dream is too far out of reach: start dreaming and never stop.”

The inaugural edition of the competition was a resounding success thanks tothe commitment of our partners, speakers, jury members and the public!

Corporate Partners: Alpine, Syngenta, Ministry of the Armed Forces, Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park – UNESCO Global Geopark, Valeo, EDF Power Solutions, Sanofi, alpe.tv, Brasserie La Petite Aixoise, Airbus.

Educational Partners : Tarbes National School of Engineering – ENIT, Tarbes Occitanie Pyrénées University of Technology – UTTOP, AGRO Toulouse – Toulouse National School of Agronomy – ENSAT, Sciences Po Toulouse, IMT Mines Albi, Toulouse Higher Institute of Journalism, ISAE-SUPAERO.

Watch the video of his visit

World Alumni Days 2026: Testimonial from Fabien Dubuc, Vice President of R&D at Biocon

Publication Date

23 June 2026

Category

Tag

Alumni

Ingénieur généraliste (MSc)

Testimonial from Fabien Dubuc, Class of 2005

Surname, first name:
- DUBUC
- Fabien
Nationality: French
Country of residence:
- France, Grenoble
Countries in which you have worked:
- France,
- Hungary,
- England,
- United States,
- Currently based in France but working in India
Position, company:
- Biocon
- Vice President of R&D for drug delivery technologies
Sector:
- Pharmaceutical industry
Course studied at ISAE-SUPAERO:
- Engineering
Year of graduation:
- 2005

Could you tell us about your career path?

Originally from Montpellier, I joined ISAE-SUPAERO because of my passion for anything that flies and for aeronautics. At a very young age, I was lucky enough to obtain my pilot’s licence, to the point where I was able to fly my parents before I’d even got my driving licence. Like many aviation enthusiasts, I used to dream of flying fighter jets.

After finishing secondary school in Montpellier and then attending preparatory classes at Fermat in Toulouse, I enrolled at ISAE-SUPAERO with the aim of joining a major aerospace group. I have some wonderful memories of that time – from the lectures and the people I met to even paragliding. But back then, I was still trying to work out what I really wanted to do. I explored various fields, from microelectronics to quantum mechanics, in order to broaden my knowledge.

In my third year, I went to Polytechnique Montréal, where I specialised in microelectronics and the microfabrication of microsystems. At the same time, I worked with a professor who was setting up a laboratory focusing on the biomedical applications of microsystems. I found this experience particularly interesting, and it marked the beginning of my interest in the healthcare sector.

On graduating, despite opportunities at Airbus and Eurocopter, I chose to continue my studies at the Collège des Ingénieurs on an MBA programme. It was at that point that I realised the aerospace industry might no longer be what I wanted to do and that I would prefer to join the healthcare sector.

My career then took me to France, Hungary, the United Kingdom and the United States, where I spent a total of seven years. Today, I am based in France but work with India for Biocon. As Vice-President of R&D, I am responsible for all technologies related to drug delivery. I lead a team of 45 people based in Bangalore, with a role that encompasses innovation, development and support for patient-focused technologies.

Why did you decide to pursue an international career?

Initially, my international journey stemmed above all from a personal desire to travel, explore and gain new experiences. The first step was the year I spent in Montreal whilst studying at ISAE-SUPAERO. I found it truly remarkable that the school offered this opportunity to study abroad. That experience was a real turning point: I met people from very different backgrounds and discovered a different culture. In fact, it gave me a taste for travelling.

Afterwards, my wife and I wanted to try something new and build an international experience. So we started looking for opportunities and, when they came along, we seized them. After several professional stints in Europe, the big adventure was moving to the United States with our family. Ultimately, all these stints abroad were driven by the same desire: to explore new environments, discover other cultures and step outside our comfort zone.

What motivated you to return to work in France, and what did your experiences abroad teach you?

We have returned to France, though not necessarily for good, as we are still open to the possibility of leaving again. The decision to return was made at a particular time in our lives, marked by significant family issues and professional considerations. Last year, several factors came together and led to this decision.

Are you considering pursuing an international career in the near future? Why?

Even though I’ve returned, I’ve remained part of an international environment. Initially, I thought I’d continue my career at Sanofi, where I was well established. But this return to France ultimately opened up a new opportunity in India, made possible in particular by a more favourable time difference. This opportunity would undoubtedly not have materialised if I’d remained based in the United States.

Once again, it was a combination of circumstances that created new prospects. Today, I continue to work in a highly international environment, with frequent interactions and travel to various parts of the world, whilst maintaining my main base in France.

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

When you’re young, you don’t always realise what you’re getting yourself into, but above all you have that desire to do something different. Living abroad allows you to discover a whole host of things you wouldn’t have thought of at the outset. Very quickly, you can find yourself in a sort of ‘golden cage’: you’ve settled in, you’ve got a job, a salary, sometimes a family, a mortgage, and you’re reluctant to step outside that framework. Yet you have to tell yourself that this isn’t necessarily a reason not to take risks. There’s never really a perfect time, and you have to dare to go for it.

My main piece of advice, therefore, is not to put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Living abroad has enabled me to give my career a boost, improve my English and, above all, gain access to opportunities I probably wouldn’t have had in France. Today, I can see just how much it opens doors and allows you to break out of established moulds.

Another important point is networking; I quickly realised its value. Mentors, meetings and professional connections play a key role in seizing international opportunities. It’s not just about friends, but contacts who can help and be helped, and who often make all the difference in a career.

Call for Nominations for the 2027 Lopez-Loreta Award

Publication Date

22 June 2026

Category

Institute

Tag

Entrepreneurship

Prize

Research

The 2027 Lopez-Loreta Prize

For the past 10 years, the Jean-Jacques and Félicia Lopez-Loreta Foundation for Academic Excellence has been supporting graduates from four leading European public universities every year: ISAE-SUPAERO, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne and the École Polytechnique Paris-Saclay.

ISAE-SUPAERO may submit up to five preliminary applications to the Foundation by 2 November 2026.

We are therefore launching an internal pre-selection process today to identify the best projects from our graduates.

Who is eligible to apply?

Graduates of ISAE-SUPAERO (excluding the Advanced Master’s programme) who graduated less than two years prior to 30 June 2026.

The project must be:

Initiated by the applicant whilst at ISAE-SUPAERO
Of an entrepreneurial, scientific, academic, environmental or humanitarian nature
In the early stages**: projects that are already well advanced (where fundraising has been completed or a start-up has already been set up) are not eligible

Executive Master’s degrees or equivalent qualifications are not eligible.

A project may only be submitted once.

Contents of the preliminary application

The application must be submitted as a PDF (in French or English) and must include:

A cover page:
- name,
- email address and telephone number,
- project name,
- ISAE-SUPAERO,
- host institution,
- the nature of the project (research or entrepreneurship).
A description of the project
A CV
A copy of your university qualifications

Timetable

Submission of preliminary applications: by 24 September 2026 at the latest
Deadline for submission of final proposals: 15 January 2027 at the latest
Notification of auditions: by 26 April 2027 at the latest
Auditions for shortlisted candidates: by 31 May 2027 at the latest
Decision by the Foundation Board regarding the 2027 Laureates: by 30 June 2027 at the latest

Interim milestones will be communicated to you to guide you through to the final deadlines. In addition, a joint team comprising school staff and alumni has been set up to support you in putting together your preliminary applications.

Send your application or express your interest now atprix.lopez-loreta@isae-supaero.fr

*tax liability borne by the winner

**specifically for entrepreneurial projects