French astronaut Thomas Pesquet is preparing for a return to space in 2027, joined by fellow Frenchman Arnaud Prost. The mission stems from an agreement between the French government and American space firm Vast, announced at the Choose France Summit.
The partnership marks a significant step in France's renewed ambitions in human spaceflight. It also highlights growing international collaboration with private space companies, extending beyond traditional government-led programs.
Specific details about the mission, including its duration and destination, have not been disclosed. Vast is known for developing commercial space stations, suggesting the flight could involve a visit to one of its platforms.
The announcement comes as Europe seeks to bolster its independent access to space. For France, the mission reinforces its position as a leading space nation within the European Space Agency.
The choice of Vast over other providers signals a shift toward newer private players in the space industry, potentially altering future procurement patterns for European space agencies.