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2027 ISAE-SUPAERO Open Day

Publication Date

07 October 2026

Category

Event

Tag

Aerospace

Event

Open day

You used to join us in the fall for our Open Day. The ISAE-SUPAERO Open Day has a new date!

February 6, 2027, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Join us on Saturday, February 6, 2027, at our campus in Toulouse, a date shared by all schools within the University of Toulouse.

The Open Day is an opportunity to spend a day exploring your educational options, talking directly with students and faculty, and discovering the campus.

On the agenda:

Learn about our programs, their admission requirements, and career paths
Explore the campus and student housing
Tour our scientific and technological facilities
Talk with our students and faculty
Discover international and professional opportunities
Attend our scientific lectures and program-specific presentations, and meet those who experience ISAE-SUPAERO firsthand every day.

Are you thinking about your academic path? Are you preparing to choose a school? Come discover ISAE-SUPAERO from the inside.

More information and the program will be available soon.

Learn more about our programmes and how to apply

Brochure

Our programmes

Practical informations

ISAE-SUPAERO Open Day

Publication Date

30 September 2026

Category

Tag

Aerospace

Open day

You used to join us in the fall for our Open Day. The ISAE-SUPAERO Open Day has a new date!

February 6, 2027, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Join us on Saturday, February 6, 2027, at our campus in Toulouse, a date shared by all schools within the University of Toulouse.

The Open Day is an opportunity to spend a day exploring your educational options, talking directly with students and faculty, and discovering the campus.

On the agenda:

Learn about our programs, their admission requirements, and career paths
Explore the campus and student housing
Tour our scientific and technological facilities
Talk with our students and faculty
Discover international and professional opportunities
Attend our scientific lectures and program-specific presentations, and meet those who experience ISAE-SUPAERO firsthand every day.

Are you thinking about your academic path? Are you preparing to choose a school? Come discover ISAE-SUPAERO from the inside.

More information and the program will be available soon.

Learn more about our programmes and how to apply

Brochure

Our programmes

Practical informations

Happy New Year, Martians!

Publication Date

30 September 2026

Category

Event

Tag

Research

Space

Today marks the start of Year 39 on Mars: a Martian year lasts 687 Earth days, which is equivalent to nearly two years on our blue planet. Here’s a look back at the projects, missions, and discoveries that bring ISAE-SUPAERO closer to the Red Planet every day.

ISAE-SUPAERO's Contributions

to the Mars exploration missions

DECEMBER 2018

InSight Mission

InSight’s robotic arm places the SEIS seismometer on the Martian surface.

This is the first time a scientific instrument has been deployed by a robotic arm on the surface of another planet.
ISAE-SUPAERO contributed to the instrument’s performance model, the mission’s performance model, the scientific software specifications, and the design of operations on Mars.
The SSPA team includes two co-investigators for the mission and five collaborators.
On Sol 128, SEIS detected the first Martian earthquake, marking the birth of Martian seismology.
More than 1,300 earthquakes were recorded by the end of operations on December 21, 2022, and the first measurement of another planet’s internal structure was obtained.

Learn more

FEBRUARY 2021

Mars 2020 Mission

The First Sound Recorded on Mars

SuperCam, an instrument suite combining five different measurement techniques, is onboard the Perseverance rover.
SuperCam’s microphone, designed at ISAE-SUPAERO, captured the first sounds from Mars on February 19, 2021.
It was developed under the scientific leadership of David Mimoun, a professor of space systems and head of the SSPA team.
This represents an unprecedented scientific breakthrough toward a better understanding of the Martian environment.

Listen to the sounds

APRIL 2022

Mars 2020 Mission

Sounds from Mars Under Analysis

The first sounds from Mars are being analyzed to better understand the characteristics of the Martian atmosphere.
Two researchers from ISAE-SUPAERO, Dr. Naomi Murdoch and Dr. Alexander Stott, present these findings.
A study conducted by an international team, which includes our researchers, has been published in the journal “Nature”.

Learn more

OCTOBER 2023

InSight Mission

A Meteorite Impact Reveals New Insights About Mars

Analysis of the initial data from the InSight mission in the summer of 2021 made it possible to estimate Mars’s internal structure and suggest that the planet consists of a crust, a silicate mantle, and a metallic core.
A study published in *Nature* in October 2023 shows that seismic waves from a meteorite impact in September 2021 made it possible to probe the planet’s interior and reveal a layer of molten silicates at the base of the Martian mantle.

Learn more

JUNE 2024

MMX Mission

Exploring Phobos, a Moon of Mars

ISAE-SUPAERO is participating in the MMX mission: the deployment of the Idefix® rover on the surface of Phobos, one of Mars’ moons, in 2029.
Our researchers are conducting tests with a WheelCam (camera) model similar to those on the rover.
Idefix®’s WheelCams will help study the surface properties of Mars’ moons, as well as the dynamics of regolith on small celestial bodies.
The MMX mission is scheduled to launch on October 19, 2026, from Tanegashima.

Learn more

JULY 2024

InSight Mission

A More Active Planet Than Previously Thought

Data from the InSight seismometer, which landed on Mars in 2018, reveal that the planet is struck by meteoroids more frequently than previously estimated.
A study has been published by the research team, which includes two of our faculty members: Raphaël Garcia and Alexander Stott.
This discovery could change our current understanding of the distribution of craters on the surface of Mars, as well as on other planets.

Learn more

MARCH 2025

HERA Mission

Mars and Deimos from a New Perspective

The HERA spacecraft captures unprecedented images of Mars and its moon, Deimos.
These observations expand our understanding of the Martian environment.
An important milestone for future exploration missions.
Dr. Naomi Murdoch and the SSPA team are actively collaborating on this international planetary defense program.
The Perseverance rover observed the Martian sky during the flyby to help interpret the images.

Learn more

FEBRUARY–MARCH 2025

MDRS Mission

Living Like on Mars

Six students and one alumnus from ISAE-SUPAERO are participating in a mission at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS).
This base, located in the Utah desert in the United States, is specifically designed to simulate living conditions on Mars.
An immersive experience to test living, working, and conducting research under Martian conditions.
A full-scale experiment in support of space exploration.

Learn more

SCHEDULED FOR 2028

ExoMars Mission

Listening to Mars’ Past

ISAE-SUPAERO is contributing to the ExoMars mission, scheduled for 2028, to explore the planet Mars and attempt to detect signs of past life there.
The goal is to analyze the Martian surface in search of biosignatures and to understand variations in the planet’s aqueous and geochemical environment.
The Rosalind Franklin rover will carry eight instruments and a drill capable of penetrating two meters below the surface. Its landing at Oxia Planum is scheduled for 2030.
Our researchers, under the scientific leadership of David Mimoun, will develop PACIS (Platform Atmospheric Characterization Instrument Suite), designed to measure sound, pressure, and temperature during the critical entry, descent, and landing phases of the ExoMars probe.

Learn more

ICI Mars: Listening to the Red Planet

Discover the new podcast “ICI Mars: Listening to the Red Planet,” hosted by Pascal Wijsbroek, space correspondent for ICI Occitanie, to better understand the purpose of Mars exploration and what it reveals about our own planet. In collaboration with the Cité de l’espace in Toulouse.

Guest on the first episode, “Mars, the Heart of the Red Planet”: David Mimoun, professor of space systems and planetology at ISAE-SUPAERO.

To listen to the podcast (in French)

2026 Partner Kickoff

Publication Date

29 September 2026

Category

Company

Tag

Company

Event

Partner

Exchanging Perspectives on AI and the Engineer of Tomorrow

This year, special attention was given to artificial intelligence, with the goal of going beyond general observations to examine its concrete effects on job roles, skills, and recruitment practices.

Two workshops brought together HR representatives and alumni to discuss issues directly related to companies’ needs:

What AI skills will tomorrow’s engineers need? How are their roles evolving? What new technical and cross-functional skills are becoming essential? What new professions are emerging?

And, at the same time, how is AI transforming recruitment processes—from the candidate-recruiter relationship to new assessment methods and AI-enhanced applications?

These discussions allowed participants to compare experiences and identify concrete situations and needs recognized by companies. “What’s interesting is talking with the school and explaining how we work, as well as our current and future uses of artificial intelligence, so that the school can adapt its curriculum to the real and emerging needs of the industry. ” — Clément Prat-Bernachot, Head of Hydromechanical Testing at Safran.

These discussions thus contribute directly to the school’s reflection on the evolution of its programs and the skills to be developed in its students.

A relationship built over time

Beyond this single day, the Partner Kickoff event highlights the diversity of interactions that shape the relationship between the School and its partner companies: recruitment, meetings with students, company visits, sharing of expertise, and collective reflection on industry trends.

The diversity of the companies represented (Accenture, Airbus, ALTEN, ArianeGroup, ATR, Capgemini, CEA, CNES, Dassault Aviation, EDF, HeadMind Partners, IAC, Liebherr Aerospace and Transportation, MBDA, Naval Group, PwC, Sabena technics, Safran, Groupe SII, Sopra Steria, and Thales) attests to the richness of this ecosystem and the sectors and professions for which ISAE-SUPAERO students can prepare.

This momentum will continue soon with a workshop focused specifically on AI, to further explore the discussions already underway and continue to bridge the gap between companies’ needs and developments in engineering education and skills.

Photos : Louis Derigon

REA Team Organization (Lise Brivot, Sandrine Bouzigues, Fanny Salas, Sophie Lambert, Corinne Burot-Le Roux, and Aurore Moskwa)

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

Publication Date

29 September 2026

Category

Event

Tag

Aeronautics

Aerospace

Innovation

Space

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

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

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

The programme promises to be rich and structured, with :

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

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

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

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

Information and registration

TAJP 2026: Five ISAE-SUPAERO Students at the Light Aviation Event

Publication Date

24 September 2026

Category

Event

Tag

Aeronautics

Aviation

Student life

Interview with Camille, Aurélien, and Lucie

To start, could you tell us about the Young Pilots' Air Tour and what it means to the young pilots who take part in it?

Camille:
The Young Pilots’ Air Tour—Mermoz Academy (TAJP-MA), which takes the form of a summer school, allows us to come together as young pilots, exchange ideas, and deepen our knowledge. It’s an initiative to promote general aviation and FFA-affiliated flying clubs, where, at each stop, we serve as ambassadors for general aviation by sharing our passion with the general public.

Aurélien:
During the event, the 45 selected young pilots travel across France in an airplane from their club to introduce the general public to our activity and inspire future pilots. Open houses are organized along the route, featuring a variety of activities, including cockpit tours and simulator sessions.

For each young pilot, it’s also a great opportunity to improve their skills through the various challenges organized (Air Rally, ANR, etc.). It’s also a wonderful chance to share our diverse experiences and meet professionals in the aviation industry, especially during stops at military bases.

This year, five students from ISAE-SUPAERO were selected. Is this a first for the school?

Camille:
As far as I know, this is indeed a first. At the previous competition two years ago, the school had three students selected. With five students out of a class of 45 pilots, that represents more than 10 percent of the national selection: it’s a great testament to the dynamism of the aviation community and the passion for flight that drives the students at our school!

How did you prepare for this challenge leading up to the Tour?

Camille:
The preparation leading up to the event was intense. In the weeks before departure, we had specific training flights to complete at our respective flying clubs. We discussed our flight planning, managing administrative requirements, logistics, and finding partners. Being able to count on the support of our instructors and our clubs, who stood by us until the very end, was a real plus.

Aurélien:
We all took this tour very seriously: first, by refreshing our theoretical knowledge before the selection process. Then, by getting our planes and the equipment we’d be taking as ready as possible, and by finding sponsors to help us on this wonderful adventure. For me, that was actually the hardest part! Times are tough, and companies—no matter how large—are hesitant to open their wallets. That said, I have very fond memories of the process, as so many people were enthusiastic about our project!

We supported one another as Supaerians during these preparations, reviewing things together and keeping each other focused on the tasks at hand. Although some of us already knew each other, this helped forge us into a close-knit team, ready for what lay ahead!

What were the most memorable moments of those two weeks?

Camille:
My fondest memory might seem trivial, but during an open house, a young boy came to see me with his mom to learn about aviation. He wasn’t quite sure what he was doing there and looked a little grumpy. I think his mom had practically forced him to come. I took him up in a plane while chatting with him to help him discover our passion. The look on his face when he stepped out of the plane is what stuck with me the most. He was grinning from ear to ear, and his eyes were sparkling! It was an immense joy for me to see that change in him in just a few minutes.

The hardest part is the fatigue that builds up day after day with the relentless pace of the stages. After a long, particularly grueling flight, I simply joined the circuit and landed on the wrong QFU… Obviously, that’s the kind of mistake that doesn’t go unnoticed: general but good-natured teasing from the French team who stuck with me until the end.

Aurélien:
The Tour was an absolutely memorable adventure, and every day, every activity was a highlight for me. The flights across France, our rally and ANR challenges, the first flights in legendary aircraft like the DC-3, the Antonov 2, the PC-6, or the Cougar…

In particular, the time we spent interacting with the public was especially rewarding! Introducing a child to an airplane, letting them climb aboard, and seeing them come out with a smile from ear to ear is particularly moving.

I was also deeply moved by my encounters with members of the Air and Space Force and the ALAT. Their hospitality was perfect in every way. Their passion for aviation and their dedication shone through in every minute of the tours we were lucky enough to take thanks to them, and in the moments we spent interacting with them.

I have fond and exhilarating memories of those two weeks—even the little hiccups we experienced together!

Lucie:

The open house in Lille made a particularly strong impression on me: it was the first stop and our first interaction with the general public, with over 4,000 visitors… It was great to be able to introduce so many people to our world and to see children (and adults!) leave with stars in their eyes!

The flight to the south of France and the afternoon that followed were a bit more challenging: the pilots and the engines were running hot! I didn’t have any technical issues myself, but I’ve never kept such a close eye on the engine temperature gauges.

Finally, I also remember, with great emotion, the flights we were lucky enough to take in legendary aircraft such as the DC-3 and the ALAT Pilatus.

Camille, at what point do you realize that you're in a good position and that first place is within reach?

Camille:
It was a real surprise! The race officials keep the standings secret throughout the two weeks, and we really had no idea where we stood until the closing ceremony.

Not knowing anything lets you enjoy the adventure without any stress, and the final announcement was a total surprise—and a source of immense joy.

Aside from the aviation challenges, what stands out to you about this experience?

Camille:
Beyond the improvements in all aspects of piloting and flight preparation, what stands out most to me is the human aspect. The 45 of us young people have become a real family. I also remember the kindness of the volunteers and the organizers who made this possible, as well as the enriching interactions with the public and the children at each stop.

Lucie:
The interactions with the general public, as well as with the organizers and the 44 other young pilots, were unforgettable. I also remember, with great emotion, the flights we were lucky enough to take in legendary aircraft such as the DC-3 and the ALAT Pilatus. Finally, I now feel capable of flying long distances in a light aircraft: we all learned so much in just two weeks!

Did this experience reinforce your plans for a career in aviation and your professional goals?

Camille:
This experience has only reinforced my plans for the future. Personally, I aspire to become an airline pilot, and I know that’s also the goal for many of us. This Tour has reinforced my belief that the world of aviation is a demanding but exciting field.

Aurélien:
Professionally, I hope to eventually become an airline pilot, and I’m convinced that participating in the 2026 Tour is another asset that will help me achieve my career goal.

Lucie:
The next steps in my aviation journey are, first, to complete my ATPL theory course (the theoretical portion of the airline transport pilot license), then to take the various French exams to become an airline pilot (Air France Cadets and ENAC). And, of course, to keep flying at the flying club!

What advice would you give to students who want to embark on this adventure?

Camille:
Believe in yourself! The tryouts may seem intimidating at first, but with motivation, discipline, and good preparation, this adventure is totally within reach. Practice your navigation skills, work on your mania*, and come see us: we’d love to chat with you and give you a hand preparing for the tryouts for the next edition!

(*maneuverability)

Aurélien:
For anyone involved in general aviation who is 23 or younger, I highly recommend this experience—it’s the kind of memory that stays with you for a lifetime!

TAJP 2026: ISAE-SUPAERO Confirms the Momentum of Its Next Generation of Aviation Professionals

With five students among the 45 young pilots selected, ISAE-SUPAERO was particularly well-represented at this year’s Tour Aérien des Jeunes Pilotes. Their presence was notably highlighted by Camille’s victory; she finished first in the final standings after two weeks of challenges, navigation exercises, and events across France.

This success is also part of a broader trend toward increasing the number of women in aviation careers. Lucie was one of six young women among the 45 participants and is also pursuing a career path focused on commercial aviation. Beyond her own journey, her participation helps raise the visibility of women’s career paths in a sector where aspirations should be able to flourish without being limited by stereotypes.

A New Academic Year Highlighting the Pic du Midi and Its Observatory’s World Heritage Nomination

Publication Date

18 September 2026

Category

Institute

Tag

Institute

News

To mark the start of the 2026–2027 academic year, the University of Toulouse is highlighting the nomination of the Pic du Midi and its observatory for World Heritage status. ISAE-SUPAERO, as a member of the EPE University of Toulouse, is joining forces with and fully supporting this unifying project that brings together heritage, cutting-edge research, education, and the local region.

The Pic du Midi and Its Observator

For more than 140 years, the Pic du Midi has been home to a scientific community dedicated to observing the universe, the Earth, and the atmosphere. At an altitude of 2,877 meters, this pioneering site bears witness to a unique relationship between the mountain, the men and women who bring it to life, and the knowledge that is developed there. It is this exceptional continuity that forms the basis for the nomination of the Pic du Midi and its observatory as a cultural landscape.

A living heritage, looking toward the future

The proposed heritage designation does not aim to freeze the summit in time. On the contrary, it highlights a historic observatory that remains an active center for research and innovation. Scheduled for installation in 2025 at the Bernard Lyot telescope, the SPIP infrared spectropolarimeter opens up new possibilities for detecting and characterizing exoplanets, studying the magnetic fields of stars, and gaining a better understanding of how new worlds form.

This cutting-edge science also relies on upgraded infrastructure. Opening its doors to its first groups in 2024, the Dauzère-Soler building will provide a better environment for scientists and students, with new workspaces, meeting rooms, and accommodations. It will enable the development of research missions, field-based teaching, and interdisciplinary collaborations at the summit under exceptional high-altitude conditions.

A Project That Brings Together the University and Its Region

Led by a public interest group comprising the University of Toulouse and the Joint Association for the Promotion of Tourism at the Pic du Midi, the bid brings together the French government, national research organizations, local authorities, local stakeholders, and mountain communities. It demonstrates that a region can play a role in addressing major global challenges through knowledge, cooperation, and the preservation of a shared heritage.

For the University of Toulouse, this bid aligns with the development of the experimental public institution destined to become a “grand établissement”: a research university that is more integrated, more recognizable on the international stage, and increasingly open to society. By choosing the Pic du Midi as the central theme for the start of the academic year, the University invites its entire community to support a project that combines heritage and the future.

KEY POINT: The nomination, submitted by France to UNESCO in January 2026, is scheduled to be reviewed by the World Heritage Committee in the summer of 2027.

The ISAE-SUPAERO Astronomy Club

The ISAE-SUPAERO Astronomy Club (CAS) brings together students from the school who are passionate about space and astronomy, with the goal of discovering and sharing the wonders of the universe, both with the naked eye and through astrophotography.

The club, which regularly visits the Pic du Midi Observatory, focuses in particular on observing the deep sky and planetary objects, and organizes observation nights to photograph celestial objects such as the Moon, the Pleiades, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Orion Nebula.

A significant portion of the club’s activities is devoted to astrophotography: the club has observation and photography equipment, and members then process the images using specialized software such as DeepSkyStacker, Iris, RegiStax, and GIMP.

A few photos of the ISAE-SUPAERO Astronomy Club

Follow their work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sup_astro_/

Photo credit: ISAE-SUPAERO Astronomy Club

Postdoctoral Researcher – Asteroid Seismology

Publication Date

16 September 2026

Category

Tag

Job offer

Post-doctorate

The postdoctoral researcher will be part of the Space Systems for Planetary Applications (SSPA) team within the Electronics, Optronics, and Signal Department (DEOS) of ISAE. The candidate will perform research related to asteroid seismology to prepare the interpretation of the RAMSES/SIA data, and will also contribute to the SIA instrument data archiving activities.

The specific responsibilities will include:

Research (70%):

Develop and run numerical models simulating seismic wave propagation in low-gravity, granular, or rubble-pile asteroid environments.
Postdoctoral Researcher – Asteroid Seismology
Investigate seismic source mechanisms relevant to small bodies, including tidal-generated seismicity.
Model the effects of asteroid internal structure (porosity, layering, rubble-pile structure) on seismic wave attenuation, scattering, and propagation velocities.
Participate in the supervision of student research projects.
Collaborate with the research team to analyse findings, prepare scientific publications, and present results at relevant conferences.

Data Archiving Support (30%):

Prepare, format, and validate data products for submission to the Planetary Science Archive (PSA), in compliance with current PDS4 standards.
Build and maintain pipelines for converting instrument data into archive-ready formats.
Coordinate with ESA and the PSA throughout the review and certification process.
Train and assist other group members in proper data handling and archiving • practices.

Historical Discovery: Mercury Does Indeed Have Electron Radiation Belts

Publication Date

04 August 2026

Category

Research

Tag

DEOS

Research

Space

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.

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?