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The 2025 Edmond Brun Prize from the French Academy of Sciences awarded to Annafederica Urbano, professor at ISAE-SUPAERO

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29 October 2025

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On October 28, 2025, the Academy of Sciences awarded the Edmond Brun Prize to Annafederica Urbano, professor of space launch vehicles at ISAE-SUPAERO. This biennial physics award recognizes her entire body of work in the field of space propulsion.

Recognition of scientific expertise

Annafederica Urbano carries out her research activities in the Advanced Space Concepts team (SaCLaB) of the Aerospace and Space Vehicle Design and Control Department (DCAS). An expert in space propulsion, she has developed a research area at ISAE-SUPAERO dedicated to access to space and propulsion.

Her work focuses in particular on the management of cryogenic propellants in weightlessness and their combustion in rocket engines.

She is developing advanced numerical methods for modelling new-generation rocket engines using methane as a fuel, and is interested in the use of artificial intelligence algorithms and data from numerical simulations for rocket engine injector and combustion chamber design models. It is also studying the behaviour of fluids stored at very low temperatures in launcher tanks.

A remarkable career

She obtained her PhD in 2012 from La Sapienza University in Rome on the cooling system of rocket engines and moved to France in 2013 to specialise in numerical combustion and two-phase flows. Her research at ISAE-SUPAERO is funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) and the French National Research Agency (ANR).

Its activities are also supported by Ariane Group and Airbus Defense and Space through the SaCLaB sponsorship chair on advanced space concepts, for which it is responsible. Since 2022, Annafederica has been a member of the Space Propulsion Committee of the International Astronautical Federation. She also leads the ESA topical team on propellant management physics.

"From a personal point of view, this recognition is an immense source of satisfaction and fully rewards my commitment to research. On a professional level, this prize is a fantastic opportunity to highlight my work in the field of space propulsion, a strategic sector for the future of space exploration.

Annafederica Urbano Professor of space launchers

The Edmond Brun Prize

Created in 1984 by the Suzanne Brun Foundation of the Académie des Sciences, this prize is awarded alternately for work in the field of astronautics (2025) and fluid mechanics and thermics (2027).

The Académie des Sciences, founded in 1666, is responsible for scientific expertise, the transmission and dissemination of knowledge, and the international promotion of French science. It encourages, supports and protects the spirit of scientific research, thereby contributing to the progress of science and its applications.

This award is further proof of the excellence of the research carried out at ISAE-SUPAERO and its major contribution to the scientific and technological challenges of access to space.

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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

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

Events

2025 edition of "La nuit des chercheurs"

Meet ISAE-SUPAERO researchers at the Nuit des Chercheurs de Toulouse, on October 3 at 6pm at the Halles de la Cartoucherie, on the theme of “Intelligence(s)”!

Aerospace

Researcher

Science

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

Pages

Institute for Sustainable Aviation

Created in 2021 on the initiative of internationally renowned academic institutions with longstanding academic expertise in aeronautics and air transport, the ISA is an institute dedicated to the challenges of aviation's transition to sustainability.

Aeronautics

Aviation

Decarbonization

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

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

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

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

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

Event

Research

Science

News

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

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

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

News

Mattéo Gouzien: itinerary of an award-winning engineer and PhD student committed to decarbonized aviation!

Mattéo Gouzien, a graduate of ISAE-SUPAERO and currently a doctoral student at IMS Bordeaux and ONERA, has been passionate about science from an early age. His remarkable academic and personal career has been guided by a relentless desire for knowledge and a quest for meaning. Winner of the SEE's André Blanc-Lapierre national prize and of the PEGASUS 2025 student conference, Mattéo talks about his rich career path: from preparatory school to his thesis on reducing aviation emissions.

Aeronautics

Ingénieur généraliste (MSc)

Portrait

Events

AASTRA Certificate: Introductory Webinar on May 26 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Aeronautics

Aerospace

Air transport

News

The first Franco-Korean workshop dedicated to the challenges of cryogenic hydrogen

The global aviation industry is facing an urgent challenge: significantly reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen, thanks to its unique properties and considerable energy potential, appears to be a promising solution and could play a key role in the aviation sector's energy transition.

Aeronautics

Decarbonization

News

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

Aeronautics

Event

Fair

Testimonials

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

Alumni

Space

Testimonial

News

3 questions to... Ervan Kassarian, S-Cube member from 2015 to 2017

Meet Ervan Kassarian, member of S-Cube - SUPAERO Space Section - ISAE-SUPAERO's experimental rocket club, from 2015 to 2017.

Space

Student club

Student life

News

OPEN SCIENCE ISAE-SUPAERO: ISAE-SUPAERO science in the open air!

ISAE-SUPAERO continues to contribute to the open science movement and has created a new open archive platform called OPEN SCIENCE ISAE-SUPAERO. It provides everyone with access to our theses, publications, scientific instruments and technological platforms.

Science

Scientific publication

Thesis

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

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

Pages

Learning, Decision, Optimisation (ADO) Scientific Group

DISC

Doctoral student

PhD

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

Testimonials

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

DCAS

Space

Teacher researcher

Pages

Our Ecosystem

Our Institute operates at the heart of a leading academic, scientific, and technological ecosystem. Driven by the strength of the ISAE SUPAERO ENSICA Alumni Association network, supported by the ISAE-SUPAERO Foundation, and enriched by EUROSAE's expertise in executive education, our actions are part of a collective dynamic within the University of Toulouse and the ISAE Group. Committed to the major challenges of tomorrow, we are developing major initiatives within the Institute for Sustainable Aviation for sustainable aviation and the Defense Space Academy to meet the strategic challenges of space.

Aerospace

Partner

Partnership

News

Ariane 6: at ISAE-SUPAERO, researchers are already working on the future

The European Ariane 6 launcher incorporates major technological innovations such as the Vinci engine, capable of reigniting in space. At ISAE-SUPAERO, researchers are tackling the challenges posed by the rocket engines of tomorrow.

Space

Testimonials

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

Alumni

Space

Testimonial

Testimonials

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

Advanced Master

Space

Testimonial

News

ISAE-SUPAERO hosts ICCAS, an international conference on cognitive airborne systems

• The ICCAS international conference will be held on 16 and 17 May on the ISAE-SUPAERO campus. • It brings together world-renowned scientists working on cognitive airborne systems, the virtual assistants that will help pilots in the cockpits of the future. • The Institute has been involved in the development of these research topics for many years.

Conference

DCAS

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

Events

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

Event

Space

Pages

An Illustrated History of our School

Hisis will enable you to follow the many transformations that the ISAE-SUPAERO engineering school has undergone. ISAE-SUPAERO was created in October 2007 from the merger of two engineering schools in Toulouse, the École Nationale Supérieure d'Ingénieurs de Constructions Aéronautiques (ENSICA) and the École Nationale Supérieure de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace (SUPAERO), both under the supervision of the French Ministry of Defence.

Aerospace

History

Institute

News

Unlocking the secrets of earthquakes with stratospheric balloons

A team of DEOS researchers has achieved a significant milestone in the use of infrasound data captured by stratospheric balloons to understand seismic signals. This breakthrough, published in Earth Planets Space*, opens up new perspectives for the study of earthquakes, both on Earth and on other planets.

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

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

News

Capturing the seismic activity of an asteroid: our Apophis rendezvous

DEOS

Research

Space

Pages

Our Rankings

For over 100 years, ISAE-SUPAERO has been committed to excellence. Forerunners and inventors, our alumni have been at the forefront of many technological innovations in the aerospace industry. True to our mission of training engineers of the highest scientific level who are innovative, committed and capable of mastering the complex challenges of tomorrow's world, we rank among the top engineering schools by many national and international criteria.

Institute

Prize

Ranking

News

Henry DE PLINVAL, portrait of ISAE-SUPAERO's new Director of Research and Educational Resources

Henry de Plinval arrived on the ISAE-SUPAERO campus last August, and has taken up his new post as the school's Director of Research and Educational Resources. Portrait of Henry Plinval.

News

Portrait

Research

Pages

Languages, Arts, Cultures, and Societies Department (LACS)

At the Languages, Arts, Cultures, and Societies Department (LACS), we teach languages, interculturality, geopolitics, general culture, economics, sports, etc. Multidimensional skills that bring out knowledge, interpersonal skills, know-how and the ability to act.

LACS

PhD

Researcher

Pages

Applied Mathematics (MA) Scientific Group

The “Applied Mathematics” (MA) scientific group covers a wide range of topics: Stochastic processes (especially Markov processes), numerical optimization (especially multidisciplinary optimization) and parallel computing, stabilization, control and numerical solution of partial differential equations, and financial engineering.

DISC

Doctoral student

PhD

Testimonials

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

Advanced Master

Aerospace

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

Videos

FRENCH SUPERCAM INSTRUMENT RECORDING THE SOUND OF INGENUITY'S 4th FLIGHT

Located 80 meters from the rover at the moment of take-off, the small helicopter rose to 5 meters above the ground before covering a distance of 133 meters before returning to land where it had taken off from. SuperCam's scientific microphone, developed by ISAE-SUPAERO, recorded the sound emitted by the rotation of the Martian drone's blades during its flight. This sound has a characteristic frequency of 84 Hz, equivalent to the low “E” of a piano or the bass voice of a human being. “This is a big surprise for the whole scientific team,” says Naomi Murdoch, a researcher at ISAE-SUPAERO who is studying the data from the microphone. "Tests carried out in a Martian atmosphere simulator to design this instrument, and our theories of sound propagation, indicated that the microphone would have great difficulty picking up the sounds of the helicopter. Indeed, Mars' thin atmosphere strongly attenuates sound transmission. We needed a bit of luck to record the helicopter from such a distance. We're very pleased to have succeeded in obtaining this recording, which is proving to be a goldmine for our understanding of the Martian atmosphere". Developed jointly by ISAE-SUPAERO and a consortium of CNRS laboratories and its partners, coordinated by CNES, SuperCam's microphone is derived from a consumer model adapted to withstand the Martian environment. It pursues 3 substantial scientific and technical objectives of the Mars 2020 mission: Study the sound associated with laser impacts on Martian rocks, to gain a better understanding of their mechanical properties. Improving our understanding of atmospheric phenomena (wind turbulence, dust eddies, wind interactions with the rover, and now with the helicopter). Understanding the sound signature of the rover's various movements (robotic arm and mast operations, driving on normal or uneven ground, pump monitoring, etc.). The microphone was first switched on a few hours after Perseverance landed. It recorded the first Martian sounds generated by turbulence in the atmosphere. It is used daily in conjunction with laser rock ablation for chemical analysis of Mars. ABOUT THE MARS 2020 MISSION: NASA is relying on Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory for the development of the Mars 2020 mission. SuperCam was developed jointly by LANL (Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA) and a consortium of laboratories attached to the CNRS, French universities and research establishments. Several Spanish universities, led by the University of Valladolid, are also contributing to the instrument. CNES is responsible to NASA for the French contribution to SuperCam. The instrument is operated alternately from LANL and the French Operations Center for Science and Exploration (FOCSE) at CNES in Toulouse.

DEOS

Researcher

Space

News

ICCAS 2026, jointly organized by ISAE-SUPAERO, the ISAE-SUPAERO Foundation, and Dassault Aviation, will take place on June 11-12, 2026.

Following the success of the 2022 and 2024 editions, we are delighted to announce 𝐈𝐂𝐂𝐀𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, organized jointly by ISAE-SUPAERO, the ISAE-SUPAERO Foundation, and Dassault Aviation!

Aeronautics

Artificial intelligence

Aviation

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

3 questions to... Loïc Jecker, S-Cube member from 2011 to 2013

Meet Loïc Jecker, member of S-Cube - SUPAERO Space Section - ISAE-SUPAERO's experimental rocket club, from 2011 to 2013.

Space

Student club

Student life

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

Pages

Job offers

Aeronautics

Aerospace

Pages

DMSM at the Clément Ader Institute (ICA)

The Clément Ader Institute (UMR CNRS 5312) is the solid mechanics research laboratory for Toulouse and its region, under the aegis of the CNRS. It brings together research teams from four institutions and three ministries: the University of Toulouse III Paul Sabatier (National Education), INSA (National Education), ISAE-SUPAERO (Defense), and the École des Mines d'Albi (Industry). These institutions are located in three cities in Midi-Pyrénées: Toulouse, Albi, and Tarbes.

DMSM

Doctoral student

PhD

News

ISAE-SUPAERO back on mission with Hera

The Hera mission, an international planetary defence mission, is on its way to study the asteroid Dimorphos, which will be struck by DART in 2022. ISAE-SUPAERO is actively collaborating in this international planetary defence programme through the research work of Naomi Murdoch and the SSPA team.

DEOS

Space

News

Hera probe captures exceptional images of Mars and its moon Deimos

DEOS

Researcher

Science

News

DART: ISAE-SUPAERO students publish new scientific findings in Nature Communications

Naomi Murdoch, a planetary science researcher at ISAE-SUPAERO, is actively involved in scientific analysis and data interpretation for NASA's DART mission.

DEOS

Space

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

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

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

News

A National Prize for Open Science Awarded to Paul Saves

On December 1, 2025, at Université Paris-Saclay, our PhD candidate Paul Saves was honored at the Open Science Thesis Award Ceremony – 2025 edition, organized by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space (MESRI).

Prize

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

News

ISAE-SUPAERO and its talented students are once again showcasing Toulouse’s dynamism on the international stage

At ISAE-SUPAERO, talented students continue to distinguish themselves, both in the academic world and in the realm of innovation: a look back at the Amelia Earhart Award won by Elena Lopez-Contreras, a doctoral student at the Neuroergonomics Center, and at the French final of the ActInSpace hackathon, won by her team Solete for their Satell-EYE project.

DCAS

Event

Human factors

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

News

AeroMAPS: the go-to tool for exploring the possible futures of aviation

The AeroMAPS tool, developed by researchers at ISAE-SUPAERO, makes it possible to assess the environmental impacts of air transport and the effectiveness or limitations of levers for decarbonising the sector.

Aeronautics

DCAS

Decarbonization

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

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

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 cockpits of the future at the heart of research at ISAE-SUPAERO

Researchers at ISAE-SUPAERO have been studying cognitive airborne systems, the virtual assistants that will help pilots in the cockpits of the future, for many years.

Aeronautics

DCAS

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.

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The first Franco-Korean workshop dedicated to the challenges of cryogenic hydrogen

Publication Date

27 October 2025

Category

Research

Tag

Aeronautics

Decarbonization

News

With this in mind, the first Franco-Korean workshop on cryogenic hydrogen for aviation was held at ISAE-SUPAERO on 13 and 14 October 2025.

Jointly organised by Jean-Marc Moschetta, professor at ISAE-SUPAERO, and Dr Seo Young Kim, CEO of the South Korean company Hylium Industries, this event brought together nearly fifty researchers, engineers, industrialists and institutions with a common objective: to accelerate the development of concrete solutions for low-carbon air transport.

An event supported by the Occitanie Region as part of the Génération Hydrogène Occitanie (GENHyO) programme.

Hydrogen, a promising fuel for decarbonising the aviation sector

The adoption of hydrogen as a fuel represents a major opportunity to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint. By replacing paraffin, a fossil fuel, with hydrogen produced in a low-carbon way, it would be possible to avoid emitting thousands of tonnes of CO2 every day. This transition would make it possible to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve air quality and actively combat global warming.

Major steps have already been taken in the development of this technology. Several demonstrators carrying gaseous hydrogen have flown successfully. Today, research is continuing with liquid hydrogen, which is more efficient but also more complex to handle.

Indeed, liquid hydrogen has exceptional characteristics: an energy density three times greater than paraffin and combustion that produces only water vapour. Stored at -253°C, it can power fuel cells and combustion engines alike.

But these advantages come with major technical constraints: management of extreme cold, secure cryogenic tanks, fine-tuned management of the risk of leaks, and entirely new refuelling logistics. All these challenges provided food for thought and discussion over the two days of this Franco-Korean workshop.

Two days to share knowledge, advance science and remove technological barriers

The event, co-organised by ISAE-SUPAERO and the Korean company Hylium Industries, brought together major players from both countries, including

Major groups such as Airbus, Safran and Liebherr Aerospace,
SMEs and start-ups Absolut Hydrogen, H3 Dynamics, H2Pulse, DELAIR, CT Engineering, ARESIA, AKIRA, FINIS TERRAE,
as well as research institutions and universities Politecnico di Torino, Seoul National University, Kookmin University, University of Seoul and Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Laboratoire LAPLACE, Institut Clément Ader, and the French Embassy in Seoul.

In seven themed sessions, the workshop illustrated the diversity of approaches to hydrogen in aviation.

Session 1 – Hydrogen liquefaction: producing and storing liquid hydrogen

The work presented in this first session focused on the liquefaction and cryogenic storage of hydrogen. The aim is to improve the energy efficiency and thermal stability of cooling systems, which are essential for producing liquid hydrogen at -253°C.
Discussions also focused on insulating materials and tank design processes, in conjunction with Airbus and Safran.

Sessions 2 & 3 –LH₂ tank modelling and testing: modelling, designing, testing

These sessions explored the fundamentals of cryogenic tank design and safety, a central issue for on-board storage.
The presentations highlighted advances in lightweight materials, thermodynamic simulation and applications for drones and commercial aircraft.

Session 4 – Hydrogen-powered drones: hydrogen takes flight

This session presented the concrete applications of hydrogen in light air mobility, with drones capable of flying twice as long as battery-powered ones.

Session 5 – H₂ fuel cells: fuel cells for aeronautics

Presentations showed the diversity of fuel cell technologies adapted to aeronautics, with ammonia systems for airport infrastructures, intelligent diagnostics for predictive maintenance, and high-power prototypes (up to 500 kW).

Sessions 6 & 7 – Hydrogen for operational mobility: towards commercial hydrogen flights

Finally, the discussions in the last two sessions highlighted the large-scale applications of liquid hydrogen for air and ground mobility. The focus was on cryogenic test benches, refuelling safety and Airbus-ISAE-Safran collaboration on future architectures.

Solid prospects for Franco-Korean research and cooperation

This first Franco-Korean workshop marked an important stage in cooperation between France and South Korea on hydrogen applied to aeronautics. By bringing together researchers and engineers in Toulouse to discuss cryogenics and hydrogen propulsion, the workshop provided an opportunity to compare scientific approaches, identify technological complementarities and outline joint projects.

From a scientific point of view, the prospects are opening up around several axes: the optimisation of liquefaction processes, advanced modelling of LH₂ tanks, the reliability of fuel cells and the scaling up of refuelling infrastructures. These are all projects where synergies can accelerate advances in research for sustainable aviation.

On an institutional level, the event consolidated the partnerships already in place between ISAE-SUPAERO, Hylium Industries, Airbus, Safran, Seoul National University, KIST and University of Seoul, while opening the way to new academic cooperation via the France Excellence, STAR, START and Brain Pool programmes.

These schemes for scientific mobility and exchanges of expertise will help to train a new generation of engineers and researchers capable of meeting the technological challenges of hydrogen flight.

“Korea has a technological and political lead in the field of hydrogen. This Workshop was an ideal opportunity for us to benefit from the experience of a delegation of 17 Korean experts in cryogenic hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cells. I’m delighted with the innovative capacity of the French community mobilised by the event and the exchanges we had with our South Korean guests. I’m convinced that these synergies will enable us to launch some excellent collaborative projects on an international scale”, concludes Jean-Marc Moschetta.

By combining fundamental research, industrial innovation and international training, France and Korea are laying the foundations for a lasting alliance with a shared objective: to make liquid hydrogen the driving force behind cleaner, safer and more ambitious aviation.

Workshop « L’hydrogène cryogénique pour l’aviation »

Numerical simulation of cracking in anodic films

Publication Date

23 October 2025

Category

Tag

DMSM

Internship

Research

2000 series aluminium alloys are widely used in the aerospace industry because of their very good specific mechanical properties.

In addition to the mechanical stresses associated with their use, aeronautical structures are also subjected to environments that can alter their integrity. Anodising surface treatments enable a thin protective film to grow, thereby improving the corrosion resistance of these alloys.

However, cracking or crazing can occur as a result of thermal stress, considerably reducing their resistance to corrosion in harsh environments. Understanding these anodic film degradation phenomena and identifying and taking into account the influencing parameters will help to improve the thermal behaviour of anodised components.

Psychoacoustic evaluation of drone noise

Publication Date

22 October 2025

Category

Tag

DAEP

Internship

Research

This internship proposes to evaluate the sound perception associated with multi-copter drones to allow the development of effective noise reduction strategies and awareness actions.

MBDA – Excellence scholarships

Publication Date

22 October 2025

Category

Tag

Aeronautics

Chair

Defence

MBDA - Excellence scholarships

2025-2029

MBDA, a European leader in the design of missiles and missile systems, wishes to support the training of engineers and managers for the aerospace and defence industry through the award of excellence scholarships.

This partnership will award scholarships to 12 high-potential students, covering their tuition fees and part of their living expenses.

Initiated in 2013, the MBDA scholarships represent a major lever ofattractiveness and international influence for ISAE-SUPAERO.

Thanks to its success, this programme, which has evolved over the years, has enabled and will continue to enable 46 students to follow a course of excellence at ISAE-SUPAERO.

Head of the Chair

Lise Brivot

Head of Corporate and Alumni Relations

Lise Brivot

Head of Corporate and Alumni Relations

+33 5 61 33 80 80

Interview with Frederico Baptista, co-founder of Zéro, a startup recently incubated by ISAE-SUPAERO

Publication Date

17 October 2025

Category

Innovation

Tag

Aerospace

Incubator

Innovation

Startup

Zero, a startup created by three aerospace engineers and recently incubated by ISAE-SUPAERO, offers a visual positioning system for drones designed to operate in environments without GPS.

Could you tell us about the genesis of Zéro?

We are three aerospace engineers who met and became best friends in Lisbon, during our degree studies (degree in aerospace engineering at the Instituto Superior Técnico de Lisboa). We soon realised that we formed an extremely complementary and efficient team, to the extent that we always worked together on all our group projects.

It even led us to create a popular science and technology podcast – Zero Absoluto – which met with some success in Portugal. That’s where the name of our start-up comes from.

After graduating, each of them went on to do a Masters at a different university: João Silva went to TU Delft, Álvaro Patrício to Sapienza Università di Roma, and I to ISAE-SUPAERO. Once we had finished our studies, we got together to work on a project that was to become Zero Industries: a visual positioning system (VPS) for drones, designed to operate in environments without GPS, particularly in the context of modern conflicts.

We had the opportunity to present our first concept prototype in Warsaw to military players and the response was extremely positive. It was a turning point: we understood the urgency and the real need for this technology. It was at that point that we decided to seek funding to turn our vision into reality.

Today, we are proud to be backed by two major European venture capital funds – Project Europe and Heartfelt_ – while being incubated at ISAE-SUPAERO.

Could you tell us about your innovation?

Our innovation is a Visual Positioning System (VPS) that allows a drone to navigate completely autonomously without relying on GPS.

In today’s conflict zones, GPS signals are often scrambled or falsified, leaving drones vulnerable and unable to navigate properly. Our solution uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to enable the drone to determine its exact position in real time, even in the most complex and contested environments.

What makes our technology unique is that it is lightweight, fast and designed to run directly on embedded systems, without any external infrastructure. As a result, it offers reliable navigation for critical defence and security missions, directly in the field.

What are your short- and long-term development plans?

In the short term (next 18 months):

Our aim is to move from TRL 5 (Technology validated in a relevant environment) to TRL 9 (Real system proven in an operational environment), by developing a complete product ready for use in real-life conditions.

This involves

Integrating our VPS on several UAV platforms, to demonstrate its compatibility and versatility.
Carrying out field tests with our partners in the defence sector to validate operational performance.
Optimising our algorithms to make them faster, more accurate and more robust, while guaranteeing that they operate in real time on embedded systems.

Long term (3 to 5 years):

Our vision is to become the benchmark supplier of intelligent systems for defence, offering plug-and-play solutions that bring intelligence to UAVs and other military assets.

In concrete terms, our technology does not consist in manufacturing the drone or the platform itself, but in providing what makes them intelligent:

Real-time target identification and tracking,
Precision last-mile targeting and guidance,
Autonomous navigation without GPS, even in highly contested environments.

Our approach can be compared to that of Waymo in relation to Tesla in the field of autonomous vehicles: Tesla designs the vehicle in its entirety, whereas Waymo only provides the system that makes a vehicle autonomous.

In the same way, Zero focuses on the intelligence layer, so that any drone or military asset can become an autonomous and effective tool without relying on GPS.

Eventually, we will be able to extend our scope to other sectors, such as ground robotics, logistics, urban mobility and search and rescue operations, where autonomous navigation and advanced perception are also crucial.

Why did you set up the company in Toulouse and not in Portugal?

Toulouse is one of the world’s centres of innovation in aeronautics and defence. By locating here, we benefit from a rich ecosystem of major manufacturers, cutting-edge research laboratories and specialist talent.

What’s more, France offers a highly favourable environment for deeptech and defence start-ups, with public and private schemes that actively support innovation and the development of strategic technologies.

Portugal remains very important to us personally and professionally, but Toulouse offers the ideal conditions to accelerate the development and industrialisation of our solution.

What does the ISAE-SUPAERO incubator offer you? How are you supported?

The ISAE-SUPAERO incubator plays a key role in our development. It provides us with: Access to infrastructure and research laboratories to test and improve our technology.
Contacts with experts, mentors and decision-makers in the aerospace and defence industry.
A network of partners and potential customers in France and abroad.
Support with the strategic, legal and financial aspects of setting up a deeptech start-up.

Over and above the material resources, this incubator enables us to be at the heart of innovation, to make rapid progress and to be anchored in an ecosystem that shares our ambitions.

New start-up arrivals on campus :

IRIS Lab: IRIS LAB is developing a wireless laser power transmission technology.
Orbsync : Development of a docking system for assembling large systems and setting up energy supply stations (fuel and electricity) in space. OrbSync is a young start-up created by Msc MAE students of Indian origin, and a prototype is currently being developed.
Flyte : Flyte is an Android and iOS application offering a car-sharing service based on trust. Flyte breaks with the codes of traditional car-sharing by offering journeys and proximity between members of the same community, within a framework of trust, comfort and spontaneity. Created by two 3A students at ISAE-SUPAERO (year 2025-26), Flyte has already achieved convincing results(https://www.appflyte.fr/) and was successfully implemented for the Raid ISAE and the AirExpo 2025 exhibition.
Tilt-Wing: Design of a VTOL using a tandem tilt-wing configuration and a blown flap mechanism.
RavenGuard: The start-up RAVENGUARD was set up by two MS IEM 2025 graduates in response to the need to preserve human lives on the battlefield. It is developing a portable short-range drone detection system. Technical support is provided by a teacher-researcher from ISAE-SUPAERO and a prototype is currently being produced at InnovSpace, with initial results encouraging. The defence and security markets are being targeted.
Convergence AI: Companies are facing a major challenge: transforming data into useful insights for making business decisions. Convergence AI, a start-up created by an ISAE-SUPAERO 2016 alumnus, offers an LLM-based product that enables companies to interact with their databases in natural language without having to go through data analysts or write SQL queries.
Mantha: Mantha is a young start-up created in 2023 by a graduate of ISAE SUPAERO's Specialised Masters in Systems Engineering, with more than 20 years' experience in the aeronautical industry. The company is developing a new fuel cell architecture for on-board applications that saves space, weight and power.
Oxyvidia: The result of a partnership between a research laboratory at ISAE-SUPAERO and the CNRS, Oxyvidia offers a digital twin of cells for measuring oxidative stress in the body. This technology, developed by a teacher-researcher from ISAE-SUPAERO, a teacher-researcher from the CNRS and a doctor in neuroscience from ISAE-SUPAERO, is aimed at health professionals, academic institutions, the pharmaceutical industry and professional sports.

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

Publication Date

16 October 2025

Category

Education

Tag

Advanced Master

Aeronautics

Aerospace

Aviation

Master in Aerospace Engineering

Space

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)!

Discover TSAAE :

Toulouse School of Aviation and Aerospace Engineering

ISAE-SUPAERO and ENAC, two leading French schools in the field of aeronautical and space engineering, have launched 𝐓𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐄 – 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐯𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠.

This unique initiative gives international students access to an exceptional portfolio of programmes, taught entirely in English, in the heart of Toulouse, Europe’s aeronautics capital.

💻 A single platform, simplified access

The TSAAE is setting up a joint online application platform, which makes it easier than ever :

Discover all the ISAE-SUPAERO and ENAC programmes in one place
Comparing programmes and finding the one that best matches your goals
Access all the key information and admission procedures in a single interface

🎓 Recognised diplomas awarded by leading institutions

Degrees awarded under the TSAAE brand are officially awarded by the programme’s home institution, i.e. ISAE-SUPAERO or ENAC.

Students benefit from :

international academic recognition, thanks to the accreditations and labels held by the two schools
solid career prospects in aeronautics, space and civil aviation
clear visibility: the programmes are identified by their home institution, while benefiting from the TSAAE global brand

🌏 International career opportunities

The TSAAE programmes cover a wide range of fields:

Aerospace engineering
Air transport
Aeronautical and aerospace engineering
Digital technologies
Project management, innovation and entrepreneurship

Thanks to links with major players in the sector (Airbus, Safran, Thales, CNES, European Space Agency – ESA…) and a network of over 60,000 alumni in 100 countries, students have access to a variety of internships, projects and career paths.

👉 Explore the platform and start building your future in aerospace and aviation today: https://candidatures.tsaae.fr/

The future of aeronautics is being written today by its engineers!

Publication Date

14 October 2025

Category

Tag

Aeronautics

Aviation

Decarbonization

Sustainability

At the controls of an electric aircraft, the Director General of ISAE-SUPAERO speaks to us and embodies a new era of pioneers: that of more sustainable, more responsible aviation.

Figures for the start of the 2025 academic year at ISAE-SUPAERO

Publication Date

07 October 2025

Category

Institute

Tag

Aerospace

Institute

At the start of the 2025 academic year, ISAE-SUPAERO is welcoming nearly 882 new students from all disciplines!

ISAE-SUPAERO offers a range of courses designed to meet the major challenges facing our societies.

And there is no shortage of interest, as evidenced by the renewed attractiveness of its courses!

Figures for 2025

832 new students, including 38% international students representing 55 nationalities
350 General Engineering students
36 Industrial Engineering for Aeronautics and Space students
160 Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering students
200 Specialised Masters® students
86 PhD students

ISAE-SUPAERO’s training programmes ensure that young graduates find exceptional employment, in line with their expectations.

According to the Institute’s 2025 “First Job” survey, 70% of graduates from all courses find a job even before graduation, and 84% say they are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their first job.

The Aeronautics/Space/Defence (ASD) sector, buoyed by strong growth momentum and engaged in an exceptional period of transformation, attracted 77% of our young 2024 graduates, all courses combined.

Next came energy (4%) and finance/audit/insurance, followed by ecological transition (3%).

Henry DE PLINVAL, portrait of ISAE-SUPAERO’s new Director of Research and Educational Resources

Publication Date

29 September 2025

Category

Institute

Tag

News

Portrait

Research

Henry de Plinval arrived on the ISAE-SUPAERO campus last August, and has taken up his new post as the school's Director of Research and Educational Resources. Portrait of Henry Plinval.

Can you tell us about your background?

I began working in industry, at Safran, on inertial units: a rich experience from the point of view of technical subjects, industrial organisation, customer presence and requirements.

However, the research bug was already biting… and I decided to join ONERA in Toulouse in 2008. I then worked in automation, on different applications (aeronautics, space, naval – civil and defence), and did my thesis on vision-based UAV piloting. Later, in 2015, I was asked to become director of the UAV programme, in charge of this fascinating subject – on which ISAE-SUPAERO is also carrying out a lot of remarkable work.

In 2021, I wanted to take on more hierarchical responsibilities and I became deputy director of ONERA’s physics department: an opening onto subjects that are absolutely remarkable in their richness and technicality. I then took over as head of the low-speed wind tunnels department, a very complementary role because it is much more industrial.

I'm now at ISAE-SUPAERO, where I'm finding a lot of similarities with the various slices of life I've just mentioned! It's a great joy for me to rediscover these echoes of subjects I've come across before, to encounter both passion and excellence, and to discover and learn about dimensions I'm less familiar with.

Henry DE PLINVAL Director of Research and Educational Resources

What will your responsibilities be at ISAE-SUPAERO?

I’m in charge of the Research and Educational Resources Department. It’s an exciting role that covers a wide range of aspects. The first thing that strikes me is the quality of the people who make up this department: the human quality; the quality of the research that is carried out – often with remarkable resources; and the quality of the teaching.

My first task will be to continue to develop these qualities, but also to make them known both externally and internally. To do this, we will need to continue on the path of excellence in research and in the service of educational missions, with the considerable resources that have been allocated to them.

What issues do you consider to be priorities in your mission?

There are a number of important issues, some of which are particularly important for our business. The joint laboratory that we are building with ENAC is, of course, an essential decision that we must now make work, with the synergies and increased visibility that it will bring us.
Another key decision is the one that brings us into the dynamic of the University of Toulouse, which, here too, should see our international recognition grow even further.

Alongside these major moves, weneed to consolidate our teams, which have grown very strongly over the last ten years, and strengthen the balance between teaching, upstream research, partnerships, industrial contracts and European funding.

All of this is to ensure that we continue to be at the very top of teaching and research in the aeronautics and space fields that are our core business!