Thomas Pesquet meets Prince Albert II during packed visit to Monaco

During the private audience, the Sovereign reaffirmed Monaco’s interest in technological advances that can contribute to scientific knowledge and protecting the planet.

Pesquet, who has already completed two missions to the International Space Station, is preparing to return to space in 2027 as commander of a new mission to the ISS.

Meeting Monaco’s students

Earlier in the day, Pesquet received an enthusiastic welcome from 240 secondary school students from across the Principality at Lycée Albert-Ier, while other pupils were able to follow the event online from their classrooms.

The astronaut spoke about his experiences aboard the International Space Station and explained the years of training required before a mission, from preparing for emergencies to simulated spacewalks and adapting the body to weightlessness.

Students were also given an insight into everyday life in orbit, including scientific experiments, maintenance work, exercise and the relationships formed between crew members during months spent together in space.

Pesquet said engaging young people with science and technology was particularly important, highlighting the potential for such encounters to inspire future careers and projects.

Space innovation in Monaco

His visit also included lunch with Monaco’s Minister of State and a visit to Venturi Space, the Monegasque company developing vehicles for future lunar exploration.

The day concluded with a conference organised by the Monaco Méditerranée Foundation at the Auditorium Rainier-III, attended by more than 1,000 people.

Pesquet’s visit came as Monaco continues to strengthen its involvement in the space sector, with the Principality focusing particularly on scientific innovation, environmental protection and the peaceful and sustainable use of space.