Prince Albert II received French astronaut Thomas Pesquet at the Prince's Palace of Monaco on September 11, where they discussed "the major challenges related to space exploration, scientific research and the preservation of our planet." The visit coincides with Pesquet's possible return to space around 2027 and his likely role as commander of a future European mission, as recently indicated by President Macron. Pesquet, who commanded the ISS in 2021, has logged over a year in orbit and completed six spacewalks. His visit included meetings with government officials, a lecture to students and a tour of Venturi Space, highlighting Monaco's growing interest in space technology tied to environmental science.
Prince Albert II Welcomes Thomas Pesquet as Monaco Signals Growing Space Ambitions
Prince Albert's latest palace meeting reveals Monaco's surprising interest in space (JORGE GUERRERO)
On September 11, Prince Albert II set aside royal formalities to receive French astronaut Thomas Pesquet for a private audience at the Prince's Palace of Monaco. The palace published video footage showing the two men greeting each other and talking inside one of the palace's elegant rooms.
Prince Albert reaffirmed Monaco's interest in technological advances that can support environmental protection. (@ Corbis via Getty Images)
According to the palace statement, their discussion addressed "the major challenges related to space exploration, scientific research and the preservation of our planet." Prince Albert reiterated Monaco's interest in technological advances that both expand scientific knowledge and support environmental protection.
Pesquet has completed two missions aboard the International Space Station and became its first French commander. (@ CARINE SCHMITT)
Visit Context and Pesquet's Next Mission
The audience coincided with renewed attention on Pesquet's possible return to space. Monaco's official programme for his visit noted that he was expected to discuss a potential flight envisioned for around 2027. French President Emmanuel Macron has also recently named Pesquet as the likely commander of an upcoming European mission, although the mission's final crew and timetable have yet to be confirmed.
Prince Albert II welcomed French astronaut Thomas Pesquet for a private audience at the Prince's Palace of Monaco. (@ Tristar Media)
Pesquet's Experience
Thomas Pesquet is a veteran of two long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station (2016–17 and 2021). During his second stay he became the first French astronaut to command the ISS. In total he has spent more than a year in orbit and completed six spacewalks.
French President Emmanuel Macron shares a lighthearted moment with ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet during the International Space Summit in Paris (@ LUDOVIC MARIN)
Public Engagements in Monaco
The palace audience formed part of a packed visit. Pesquet met Monaco's Minister of State, addressed roughly 300 students at Lycée Albert Ier and delivered a public lecture titled "Space Exploration Today and Tomorrow", describing life aboard the ISS, the realities of spaceflight and the persistence required to pursue a career in science.
The palace meeting highlighted Monaco's surprising and growing interest in the future of space exploration. (@ SIMON WOHLFAHRT)
He also toured Venturi Space, a Monaco-based company developing technology for lunar vehicles. That stop connected the palace conversation about the future of exploration with concrete industrial work already taking place in the principality.
Why It Matters
Although Monaco is often associated with glamour, Formula One and the Grimaldi family, Prince Albert has long championed environmental protection and scientific research. His interest builds on a family tradition dating to his great-great-grandfather, Prince Albert I, a pioneering oceanographer and explorer. This visit signals Monaco's surprising and growing engagement with space technology and Europe's next chapter of exploration.
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