Claude Nicollier, the first Swiss astronaut, will celebrate his 80th birthday on September 2. However, he is not ready to retire just yet. Instead, he aims to share his passion for space with younger generations.
Astronaut Claude Nicollier looks into the telescope on the platform of the Space Eye observatory on the Uecht, Friday, September 15, 2023 in Niedermuhlern. (archives)
KEYSTONE
“The experiences I had as an astronaut were incredibly profound. When you’ve experienced something so extraordinary, you can’t keep it to yourself,” Claude Nicollier stated in an interview with the Keystone-ATS news agency.
Even now, the Vaud native continues to teach students from the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology in Lausanne and Zurich, as well as new astronauts from the European Space Agency (ESA). Among them is Marco Sieber from Bienne, who is set to follow in his footsteps in the coming years and become the second Swiss to venture into space.
Clear images in the head
Claude Nicollier reflects nostalgically on his time in space. He would jump at the chance to return, but not as a space tourist: “I prefer to engage in meaningful activities, not just for fun. I aim to make a difference.” That is precisely what he accomplished during his space missions. “By exploring space, we extend humanity’s understanding,” he explains.
In total, Claude Nicollier spent approximately 1,000 hours in space across various missions. “I still have vivid memories of it,” says the astronaut: “You can certainly look at photos or videos, but it’s not the same as experiencing it firsthand.”
The Swiss astronaut particularly recalls his experience with the Hubble Space Telescope: “When I touched the telescope with my hand for the first time, it was an incredibly special feeling.” To repair Hubble, he became the first European astronaut to perform a spacewalk — successfully. By the end of the mission, the telescope was operational again. Today, it continues to provide vital data for scientific research.
“We see the scars”
Observing Earth from space left a profound impact on him and altered his perspective. “From space, the Earth’s fragility is apparent. The scars that humanity inflicts on the planet are visible. Forest fires and deforestation stand out particularly,” the astronaut emphasizes.
“Witnessing this experience gave me a deep feeling that we need to protect this extraordinary planet, as it is currently the only place in our solar system where we can live,” he adds.
While it is possible that humans may be able to inhabit Mars or other planets in the future, he does not foresee large colonies existing outside of Earth — at least not in the coming decades.
He describes himself as “moderately optimistic” regarding the future of Earth: “At least we are now aware that action is required. This awareness did not exist 50 years ago.”
“I would have liked to go to the moon”
Since Claude Nicollier’s entry into the field of space exploration, missions have notably become longer. “My missions were always brief, usually lasting ten to twelve days, and they were packed with hard work,” he explains.
On the International Space Station (ISS), where missions typically last around six months, the experience differs: “I would have liked to spend more time in space, not only to enjoy the view but also to understand what it’s like to live in that environment over an extended period.” His successor will have that chance.
He also wishes he could have had another experience that astronauts will soon have the opportunity to partake in again. “I would have liked to go to the Moon. However, there were no lunar missions during my time as an active astronaut,” laments the Veveysan.
An unattainable dream
For a long time, the dream of becoming an astronaut seemed unattainable to him. “At that time, space exploration was dominated by the Soviets and Americans,” he explains. Instead, Claude Nicollier pursued studies in astronomy and physics, trained as both a military and civilian pilot, and ultimately accepted a position at ESA’s research and technology center in the Netherlands.
When the opportunity arose for the Swiss to become astronauts, he seized the chance and applied to ESA. He became part of the first training group and traveled to the USA in 1980 to complete his training as a mission specialist on the space shuttle. Between 1992 and 1999, he flew four times on four different space shuttles.
ceel, ats
The Inspirational Journey of Claude Nicollier: Switzerland’s First Astronaut at 80
As the first Swiss astronaut, Claude Nicollier is a significant figure in Switzerland’s space exploration history. He will celebrate his 80th birthday on September 2, yet his passion for space exploration continues to drive him. Instead of seeking retirement, he’s focusing on inspiring future generations about the wonders of the cosmos.
Claude Nicollier observing through a telescope at the Space Eye observatory – September 15, 2023 in Niedermuhlern.
KEYSTONE
A Lifelong Commitment to Education and Space
In an interview with the Keystone-ATS news agency, Claude Nicollier expressed the profound impact that his experiences in space had on him. “When you’ve experienced something so extraordinary, you can’t keep it to yourself,” he stated. Even at his age, Nicollier remains active, teaching students from the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology in Lausanne and Zurich, as well as mentoring new astronauts from the European Space Agency (ESA). One of the promising students, Marco Sieber from Bienne, is set to become the second Swiss astronaut to venture into space.
Memories and Reflections from Space
Claude Nicollier often reflects fondly on his time spent in space, indicating that he would leap at the opportunity to return. However, he emphasizes that he wants to contribute purpose, not merely become a space tourist: “I like to do things that have meaning, not just for fun. I want to make a difference.” Throughout his missions, he remained focused on the deeper significance of space exploration, stating, “By exploring space, we expand humanity’s knowledge.”
In his extensive career, Nicollier spent roughly 1,000 hours in space. He recalls vividly, “I still have very clear images of it in my head.” He emphasizes the unparalleled experience of space travel, remarking, “You can certainly look at photos or videos, but it’s not the same as experiencing it yourself.”
The Hubble Space Telescope Experience
A particularly memorable moment for Nicollier was his encounter with the Hubble Space Telescope. “When I touched the telescope for the first time with my hand, it was a very special feeling,” he recalls. As the first European astronaut to perform a spacewalk, he successfully completed vital repairs on Hubble, ensuring that it could continue to provide invaluable data to the scientific community.
A Changed Perspective on Earth
Nicollier’s time in space significantly shifted his worldview. Observing Earth’s fragility from above opened his eyes to the environmental crises humans face. “You can see the scars that humans leave on the planet. Forest fires and deforestation, in particular, are very visible,” he emphasizes. This unique perspective galvanized him into advocating for the protection of our planet: “We know that it is the only place where we can live at the moment in our solar system.”
While modern advancements may someday lead to human habitation on Mars or other celestial bodies, he believes that large colonies outside Earth remain a distant dream. “I’m moderately optimistic about the future of the Earth. At least we are now aware that something must be done. This was not the case 50 years ago,” Nicollier remarks.
A Desire for Longer Missions
Reflecting on his missions, Nicollier notes that they were considerably shorter compared to current endeavors. “My missions have always been short—usually ten to twelve days. And they were filled with hard work,” he explains. In contrast, astronauts today can spend up to six months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Nicollier would have appreciated the opportunity for longer stays: “I would have liked to experience what it’s like to live in this environment for a long time.”
The Unfulfilled Dream of Moon Exploration
One of Nicollier’s long-held aspirations was to journey to the Moon. “But there was no lunar mission when I was an active astronaut,” he laments, highlighting the missed opportunity that future astronauts will soon fulfill.
From Aspirations to Reality
The path to becoming an astronaut once seemed improbable for Nicollier. “At that time, space was shared between the Soviets and the Americans,” he explains. Despite this, he pursued a career in astronomy and physics, training as a military and civilian pilot. Eventually, he found a place at ESA’s research and technology center in the Netherlands.
When Switzerland was granted its first astronaut opportunity, Nicollier was ready; he applied to ESA and became part of the inaugural training group. His training culminated in four successful spaceflights on four different space shuttles between 1992 and 1999, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Astronauts
- Stay Curious: Maintain a thirst for knowledge in sciences like physics and mathematics.
- Educate Yourself: Consider relevant studies in engineering, technology, or astronomy.
- Stay Fit: Physical fitness is crucial for managing the demanding space environment.
- Pursue Diverse Experiences: Engage in various fields such as military flight training or research methodologies.
- Network: Attend space-related events and connect with professionals in the industry.
Conclusion
Claude Nicollier stands as an enduring symbol of inspiration in the field of space exploration. With his commitment to education, advocacy for environmental protection, and unwavering passion for space, he continues to ignite the interests of younger generations. The stars may seem distant, but through passion, determination, and education, the dream of space travel can become a reality for aspiring astronauts worldwide.
