Thomas Pesket became the first Frenchman to head the International Space Station

He would not celebrate it with little fanfare and big fanfare with champagne. No, the first legacy of occupying the post in 2000, with only a small bell ringing, will be on the throne this Monday, October 4th Thomas Baskett Commander of the International Space Station.

Once inside the ISS as the 53rd astronaut to hold this title. But for national pride, it was an important day, because the astronaut of Norman descent was the first Frenchman to reach the ceremony, and only the 4th European.

# MissionAlpha Very pleased with the announcement SAschbacherJosef : At the end of my mission, I will become the 4th European Commander of the International Space Station. I am so proud to receive this honor! pic.twitter.com/1EOkrZkQn7

– Thomas Baskett (Tom_astro) March 16, 2021

At 9:20 pm Paris time, he is the heir to the Japanese Akihiko Hossain who traveled in the Crew Dragon last April. This is not the first handover of power between the two men, and the latter marked the end of the Olympic Games in the gap between Tokyo and Paris last August.

We made a little progress with Aki # Closing Ceremony While waiting for the actual delivery # Tokyo 2020 -> # Paris2024 In a few hours
Cow
With Tokyo 2020 Olympic Ends today and next #Olympic Should be Paris 2024, @ Aki_hoside And I held a ceremony pic.twitter.com/7dpYBr4Xwu

– Thomas Baskett (Tom_astro) August 8, 2021

Boss on board in case of emergency

This new task is not just code. If the Director of Aviation, on the ground, refers to the CNES as the “leader” who guides all operations, the Captain must ensure that all members of the ISS are active.He must ensure that the limited world of the station is a peaceful place where reconciliation is high among the various astronauts of different nationalities.

In the event of fire or trouble, Thomas Baskett must wear his boss hat and live functions, respecting a specific order: Save employees, work after ISS. “Control the ISS; it’s a responsibility. A responsibility and a great pride!” Says Frank de Vin, the first European astronaut to take on the role in 2009.

A new mission for the French, he could discuss his feelings with 200 students from early morning to high school the next day, just weeks before he returned to Earth, gathered at the Citte de Espace.