Prince Albert II received European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Pesquet in an official audience at the Prince’s Palace on Friday, 11th September.

The meeting followed a busy few days in the region for the French astronaut, who arrived in Monaco straight from the first International Space Summit in Paris, where he served as a special envoy. 

Earlier in the week, Pesquet spoke at a conference titled ‘Space Exploration Today and Tomorrow’ at One Monte-Carlo, hosted by the Monaco Méditerranée Foundation, and met with students at the Lycée Albert Ier.

A veteran of the stars 

Born on 27th February 1978 in Rouen, France, Pesquet was 31-years-old when he was selected by the European Space Agency in 2009. He has since become one of Europe’s most experienced astronauts, spending six months on the International Space Station (ISS) during his first mission in 2016–2017, and returning in 2021 for the Alpha mission, where he made history as the first French commander of the station.

Alongside his flight career, he actively promotes European technological autonomy in space.

Technology in the service of earth 

At the Palace, discussions between the Prince and the astronaut transcended pure exploration, homing in on the vital link between orbital observation and terrestrial conservation. According to the Palace, Prince Albert II confirmed Monaco’s ongoing support for scientific innovation, particularly projects that use satellite data to monitor marine ecosystems and climate shifts.

As the Principality develops its own space sector — supported by local industrial players like Venturi Space — the meeting highlighted a central point: advancing our reach beyond the atmosphere is key to protecting life on Earth.

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Thomas Pesquet meets Prince Albert II during visit to Monaco. Photo Credit: Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier