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Claude Nicollier

Claude Nicollier (born 2 September 1944) is a Swiss astrophysicist, test pilot, and retired astronaut who became the first Swiss citizen to travel to space as a member of the European Space Agency (ESA). Selected in ESA's inaugural astronaut class in 1978, he underwent training at NASA's Johnson Space Center starting in 1980 and served as a mission specialist on four Space Shuttle flights between 1992 and 1999, accumulating over 1,000 hours in orbit. His missions included the deployment of scientific satellites, microgravity experiments, and two servicing operations for the Hubble Space Telescope, during which he performed an extravehicular activity (EVA) lasting more than eight hours. Nicollier's early career combined and scientific pursuits. Born in , , he earned a in physics from the in 1970 and a in from the in 1975. He qualified as a pilot in the in 1966, eventually reaching the rank of captain by 2004, and logged more than 6,400 flight hours, including 4,000 in such as the , , and Northrop F-5E . From 1974 to 1976, he worked as a first officer on DC-9 aircraft for , and in 1988, he graduated from the in Boscombe Down, , qualifying as a . During his NASA tenure, Nicollier contributed to Space Shuttle software development, robotics integration for the International Space Station, and mission planning until 2005. He served as head of the Astronaut Office Robotics Branch from 1996 to 1998 and as ESA's lead astronaut in Houston. His spaceflights were: STS-46 aboard Atlantis in July 1992, which deployed the ESA's Eureca satellite and tested the Tethered Satellite System; STS-61 aboard Endeavour in December 1993, the first Hubble servicing mission involving installation of corrective optics and solar arrays; STS-75 aboard Columbia in February 1996, featuring a second Tethered Satellite System deployment and the United States Microgravity Payload-3; and STS-103 aboard Discovery in December 1999, the third Hubble servicing mission where he conducted an 8-hour-15-minute spacewalk with C. Michael Foale to replace gyroscopes and install a new transmitter. After retiring from ESA in 2007, Nicollier returned to Switzerland as an honorary professor at the (EPFL), where he teaches courses on space mission design and operations, including a (MOOC) on . He has received honorary doctorates from EPFL, the , and the , and contributed to projects like the solar-powered aircraft initiative. Nicollier remains active in promoting space exploration and Swiss scientific endeavors through the Swiss Space Center.

Early years

Childhood and upbringing

Claude Nicollier was born on September 2, 1944, in , , during the final months of . 's neutrality spared the country from direct involvement in the conflict, allowing Nicollier to grow up in a stable environment. He spent a happy childhood in , a picturesque town on the shores of , where the serene lakeside setting and alpine backdrop fostered a sense of wonder about the natural world. Nicollier's family provided a supportive yet grounded foundation for his early years. His father, Georges Nicollier, worked as a specializing in the construction of roads and bridges, instilling in him an appreciation for practical and perseverance. His mother, while protective, initially resisted some of his bolder aspirations, reflecting the family's emphasis on stability. At around age 10, Nicollier's grandfather introduced him to astronomy by sharing views of the and through a , igniting his lifelong fascination with and the cosmos. This early exposure to scientific observation complemented the budding interest in physics that would shape his future path. In 1962, Nicollier graduated from high school at the Gymnase de Lausanne, concluding his adolescence and paving the way for pursuits. This milestone marked the end of his formative years in the region, where the blend of intellectual curiosity and familial encouragement had laid the groundwork for his ambitions.

Education

After graduating from high school in in 1962, Nicollier pursued studies in physics at the , earning a degree in 1970. During this period, he balanced his academic commitments with emerging interests in , qualifying as a pilot in 1966 while continuing his coursework. This dual focus reflected his longstanding childhood curiosity in science and flight, shaping his interdisciplinary path. Nicollier then advanced to astrophysics at the , where he worked as a graduate scientist from 1970 to 1973 at the Institute of Astronomy in and the Geneva Observatory, conducting research. He completed a diploma in astrophysics in 1975. This training provided essential foundational knowledge in observational techniques and celestial phenomena, directly relevant to his subsequent roles in space missions involving astronomical instruments, such as the servicing.

Professional beginnings

Military aviation service

Nicollier joined the in 1966, shortly after beginning his university studies, and was commissioned as a , initially flying the and later the in Fliegerstaffel 5. His service was part-time, enabling him to balance military duties with his academic pursuits in physics during the late and early , where his scientific background enhanced his technical aptitude for aviation operations. Over his 38-year tenure in the , ending in 2004, Nicollier attained the rank of and accumulated more than 5,600 flight hours in various aircraft, including over 4,000 hours in jets such as the , , and Northrop F-5E . These hours encompassed operational missions and test flights, reflecting his progression from standard duties to more specialized roles. In 1988, Nicollier graduated from the in Boscombe Down, , qualifying him as a responsible for evaluating new and flight systems within the . This role involved rigorous assessments of aircraft performance and , contributing to the force's operational readiness during a period of technological advancement in .

Scientific and technical roles

Following his bachelor's degree in physics from the in 1970, Nicollier began his professional career as a graduate scientist at the , where he conducted astrophysical observations as part of his postgraduate research. This role involved analyzing celestial phenomena using observational data, contributing to fundamental studies in during the early 1970s. In 1971, Nicollier joined the Institute of Astronomy at the , focusing on stellar research that examined the properties and evolution of stars through spectroscopic and photometric methods. His work there, spanning until 1973, complemented his efforts at the Geneva Observatory and supported his pursuit of advanced studies, culminating in a in from the in 1975. From 1974 to 1976, Nicollier worked as a first officer on DC-9 for . By the mid-1970s, Nicollier transitioned from pure astronomical to applied interests, joining the European Space Agency's (ESA) Science Department in 1976 as a in airborne infrared astronomy at Noordwijk, . This shift emphasized practical applications of in technology, including instrument development for missions. His prior experience as a pilot aided in technical evaluations for these airborne observation platforms.

Astronaut selection and preparation

ESA selection process

In 1977–1978, the European Space Agency (ESA) conducted its inaugural astronaut selection process to identify candidates for payload specialist roles on upcoming Spacelab missions, developed in collaboration with NASA under a 1973 agreement that exchanged flight opportunities for the reusable laboratory module. Each ESA member state ran independent national recruitment drives targeting individuals with advanced scientific expertise and aviation experience, culminating in 53 candidates proposed to ESA by mid-1978. From this pool, ESA selected four astronauts in July 1978: Ulf Merbold from Germany, Wubbo Ockels from the Netherlands, Claude Nicollier from Switzerland, and Franco Malerba from Italy. The process prioritized multidisciplinary qualifications, such as Nicollier's background in astrophysics and Swiss Air Force piloting, to support the technical demands of joint European-American space endeavors. Nicollier's inclusion as the sole Swiss selectee established him as Switzerland's first , a that underscored national pride and reinforced the country's commitment to multinational through ESA. This achievement highlighted the value of diverse European talent in advancing the continent's ambitions beyond national boundaries. Following his selection, Nicollier served in an initial role as a with ESA, concentrating on payload integration, experiment verification, and mission support activities to prepare for operations. His work emphasized technical oversight and collaboration with engineers, laying the groundwork for Europe's involvement in crewed orbital missions.

NASA training and assignment

Following his selection as part of the European Space Agency's (ESA) inaugural astronaut group in 1978, Claude Nicollier was assigned to 's in , , in May 1980 as a candidate under an ESA-NASA agreement. Over the next two years, Nicollier completed intensive , which encompassed proficiency in the T-38 for high-performance flying, training to handle emergency scenarios, and spacewalk simulations to prepare for extravehicular activities. This regimen, conducted at , also included familiarization with systems, flight , and operations such as the Remote Manipulator System. In 1985, Nicollier was designated as a for STS-61-K, a mission originally slated for October 1986. During this period, Nicollier adapted to the U.S. space program's culture by integrating into the astronaut office, collaborating closely with American colleagues on technical assignments, and contributing to multinational efforts that bridged European and operations.

Space missions

Canceled STS-61-K

In 1985, Claude Nicollier was assigned as a for NASA's STS-61-K mission aboard the , with a planned launch in October 1986. This would have marked his debut spaceflight as part of the European Space Agency's (ESA) contribution to the Earth Observation Mission (EOM-1). The mission's key objective was the deployment of the European Retrievable Carrier (EURECA), an ESA-developed satellite platform designed to conduct long-duration microgravity experiments in fields such as , life sciences, and radiation physics over an 11-month orbital period. Nicollier's role would have involved supporting payload operations during the Spacelab module configuration, leveraging his background for experiment monitoring and data handling. The STS-61-K mission was officially canceled on October 27, 1986, in the aftermath of the STS-51-L Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986, which destroyed the orbiter and claimed the lives of its seven crew members, prompting a complete halt to shuttle operations for safety investigations and redesigns. For Nicollier, who was approximately one year from launch at the time of the accident, the event delivered a profound personal shock, as he had trained alongside and knew several Challenger crew members well. This interruption necessitated his reassignment within the astronaut corps and extended his wait for a flight assignment by more than five years, during which he continued advanced training in Houston.

STS-46

STS-46 was the 49th mission and the 12th flight of , launching on July 31, 1992, at 9:56 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39B at NASA's in . The mission lasted 7 days, 23 hours, 15 minutes, and 3 seconds, concluding with a landing on August 8, 1992, at 9:11 a.m. EDT back at . reached an orbit of 230 nautical miles at a 28.45-degree inclination, carrying a crew of seven to conduct a series of scientific experiments focused on deployment and tether technology. The crew consisted of Commander Loren J. Shriver, Pilot Andrew M. Allen, and Payload Commander , Mission Specialists Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, , and Marsha S. Ivins, and Payload Specialist Franco Malerba. As a representing the (ESA), Nicollier served as the third ESA to fly in space and the first national to do so, marking the first mission for an ESA astronaut since in 1986. In this role, Nicollier was responsible for operating the pallets in the payload bay, supporting the deployment and retrieval operations for key experiments. The primary objectives of STS-46 included the deployment of ESA's 4.5-ton European Retrievable Carrier (EURECA) satellite, a free-flying platform for microgravity research, and the operation of the joint NASA-Italian Space Agency (ASI) Tethered Satellite System-1 (TSS-1). EURECA was successfully deployed on flight day 2 after a brief delay due to a data handling issue, and its orbit was boosted to 310 statute miles on flight day 6 using a reduced thruster firing to address attitude control concerns. For TSS-1, Nicollier and the crew managed the deployment of a 1,000-pound satellite connected by a 12.5-mile conductive tether intended to generate electromagnetic interactions with Earth's ionosphere for power and propulsion studies. However, during deployment on flight day 4, the tether jammed after extending only 840 feet (256 meters), preventing full extension and curtailing some operations, though the mission still gathered valuable data on tether dynamics and partial electromagnetic effects before retrieval. This flight underscored international cooperation in space exploration, involving , ESA, and ASI, with Nicollier's participation highlighting Europe's growing role in U.S. missions post-Challenger. The partial success of TSS-1 provided foundational insights that informed subsequent experiments, despite the technical challenges encountered. The was extended by one day to accommodate these objectives, demonstrating the adaptability of operations.

STS-61

STS-61 was Claude Nicollier's second spaceflight, serving as a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Endeavour's crew dedicated to the first servicing mission (SM-1) of the Hubble Space Telescope. The mission launched on December 2, 1993, from Launch Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking the fifth flight for Endeavour and Nicollier's return to orbit following STS-46. Over the course of 10 days, 19 hours, 21 minutes, and 23 seconds, the crew completed 163 orbits of Earth at an altitude of approximately 320 miles (515 kilometers), culminating in a landing at Kennedy Space Center on December 13, 1993. As the primary operator of the shuttle's Remote Manipulator System (RMS), or , Nicollier played a pivotal role in the 's core objective: repairing the , which had launched in 1990 with a flawed primary mirror causing that blurred its images. On flight day three, Nicollier maneuvered the 50-foot (15-meter) RMS to successfully grapple and berth the 43-foot (13-meter), 25,000-pound (11,340-kilogram) telescope into Endeavour's payload bay, enabling the subsequent servicing operations. Throughout the , he supported all five extravehicular activities (EVAs) by positioning EVA crew members and hardware, including the installation of the Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement (COSTAR) and the Wide and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2), which corrected the optical flaw and restored Hubble's imaging capabilities to exceed its original specifications. Additional tasks facilitated by his arm operations included replacing the telescope's solar arrays—addressing vibration issues from —and upgrading rate-sensing gyroscopes and other electronics to enhance operational reliability. The mission achieved all primary objectives, transforming Hubble from a compromised asset into a fully functional observatory that has since produced groundbreaking astronomical discoveries. Nicollier's precise handling of the RMS, informed by his extensive aviation experience, was instrumental in the delicate maneuvers required during the berthing and servicing phases, ensuring no damage to the telescope or shuttle.

STS-75

STS-75 marked Claude Nicollier's third spaceflight, launching on February 22, 1996, at 3:18 p.m. EST from aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia (OV-102). The mission lasted 15 days, 17 hours, 41 minutes, and 25 seconds, concluding with a landing at on March 9, 1996. As a , Nicollier served as the primary operator of the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (), drawing briefly on his experience from the initial Tethered Satellite System deployment during STS-46 to manage the reflight experiment. The primary payload was the Tethered Satellite System-1R (TSS-1R), a collaborative U.S.-Italian project aimed at studying interactions with Earth's . Nicollier oversaw the deployment of the 1,116-kg spherical , which unreeled a 20.7-km conductive tether to a maximum of 19.7 km over several hours. Approximately 8.5 hours into operations, on February 25, 1996, the tether broke near the deployer boom due to electrical arcing caused by a breach in its insulation layer, resulting in the 's separation with a velocity change of about 24 m/s. Despite the failure, the mission collected over five hours of pre-break data on wakes, current generation (up to 480 mA), and voltage buildup (reaching 3,500 V), providing key insights into tether- interactions for future space propulsion concepts. Nicollier also contributed to the U.S. Microgravity Payload-3 (USMP-3), a suite of experiments investigating and fluid physics in low gravity. Activated shortly after launch, USMP-3 included facilities like the Advanced Automated Directional Solidification Furnace (AADSF) for studies and the Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE) for analysis, all of which operated nominally and yielded data on properties and behavior. These results advanced understanding of microgravity effects on industrial processes, with Nicollier assisting in experiment monitoring and sample handling throughout the flight.

STS-103

STS-103 marked Claude Nicollier's fourth and final Space Shuttle mission, serving as the third servicing mission (SM-3A) for the following the failure of one of its gyroscopes in 1999. Launched aboard on December 19, 1999, at 7:50 p.m. EST from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39B, the mission lasted 7 days, 23 hours, 11 minutes, and 119 orbits, covering approximately 3.2 million miles. The crew, including Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Pilot Scott J. Kelly, and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. , , Nicollier (representing the ), and Jean-François Clervoy (also ESA), became the first to celebrate in space during the flight. As a , Nicollier supported the Hubble rendezvous and capture on December 21, operating the Shuttle's (RMS) to berth the in Discovery's payload bay. The primary objectives focused on restoring full operational capability through hardware replacements and upgrades, including installing a new, more powerful computer (20 times faster with six times the memory and one-third the power consumption), a fine guidance , a solid-state digital recorder, and a data transmission transmitter, as well as adding six Voltage/Temperature Improvement Kits to safeguard the batteries. Three extravehicular activities () were conducted to perform these tasks: the first by and Grunsfeld on (8 hours ) to replace three Rate Sensor Units containing the failed gyroscopes and install the improvement kits; the second by Nicollier and Foale on December 23 (8 hours 10 minutes) to install the new computer and fine guidance sensor; and the third by and Grunsfeld on December 24 (8 hours 8 minutes) to replace the tape recorder, transmitter, and add rigid insulation covers to seven bays. Nicollier's experience built on his prior Hubble work during in 1993, where he had operated the RMS for telescope deployment. The mission concluded successfully with Hubble's redeployment on Christmas Day, December 25, 1999, ensuring its continued scientific productivity for years ahead. For Nicollier, STS-103 brought his cumulative spaceflight time to 42 days, 12 hours, and 5 minutes across four missions, after which he transitioned to ground-based roles within the astronaut office and ESA.

Post-flight career

Academic appointments

Following his retirement from the European Space Agency in 2007, Claude Nicollier was appointed full professor of spatial technology at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). In this role, he contributed to the institution's focus on aerospace engineering and spatial technology. Nicollier taught master's-level courses on space mission design and operations, as well as and engineering principles. These courses emphasized practical aspects of and systems, drawing briefly on his firsthand experiences to illustrate planning and execution. Nicollier's research at EPFL centered on systems and through the EPFL Space Center (eSpace), where he advised on projects involving microgravity experiments and mission analogs. He mentored graduate students on theses related to innovation, fostering contributions to Swiss education programs such as student-led simulations and development initiatives. As professor emeritus, Nicollier retired from active teaching at EPFL in 2024 after 17 years, while continuing limited advisory roles in space education.

Public outreach and other work

After his final Space Shuttle , , in December 1999, Nicollier continued in roles at , including the Astronaut Office Branch from 2000 and as Lead ESA Astronaut in , with contributions to until 2005. He formally retired from the in 2007, thereafter transitioning to advisory roles in the sector, including positions on boards focused on and in . From 2012 to 2017, Nicollier served as chairman of the board for Space Systems (S3), a startup aimed at developing suborbital technology for low-cost launches and from a planned in Payerne, . He promoted the project through public engagements, emphasizing its potential to advance contributions to global access. The company dissolved in 2017 amid financial challenges, marking the end of Nicollier's direct involvement in that venture. Nicollier contributed to the project, serving as an advisor for the Swiss solar-powered aircraft initiative. He remains active in promoting through the EPFL Space Center. Nicollier continues to engage in public lectures on , sharing insights from his career to foster interest in advancements. In May 2025, he delivered a keynote address at the 29th Dies Academicus of (USI) in , focusing on from space and its applications for and scientific research. His presentations often highlight the transformative perspectives gained from orbital viewpoints, drawing on experiences from his four missions. Nicollier actively participates in interviews and events to reflect on his career and motivate aspiring professionals. In August 2025, he featured in a profile with Leonardo Times, the publication of University of Technology's society, where he discussed his journey from pilot to and the evolving landscape of space travel. Through such media contributions, including appearances at career events organized by Space Exchange , he emphasizes perseverance and interdisciplinary skills to inspire youth in fields, encouraging the next generation to pursue opportunities in space sciences.

Recognition and honors

Awards received

Claude Nicollier received the NASA Space Flight Medal for each of his four Space Shuttle missions, recognizing his contributions as a mission specialist. These include the medal awarded in 1992 for STS-46, where he operated the European Space Agency's EURECA satellite deployment and retrieval; in 1993 for STS-61, during which he participated in the first Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission; in 1996 for STS-75, involving the Tethered Satellite System deployment; and in 1999 for STS-103, another Hubble servicing mission. In 2001, he was awarded the for his overall contributions to NASA's program. In addition to his NASA recognitions, Nicollier was honored with the Yuri Gagarin Gold Medal from the International Aeronautical Federation in 1994 for his pioneering role as the first and his advancements in international space cooperation. He also received the from the Académie Nationale de l’Air et de l’Espace in in 1994, acknowledging his contributions to European space endeavors and extravehicular activities. In the same year, he was awarded the by the National Aeronautical Association and the Prix de l’Université de . For his early space achievements, Nicollier was awarded the Prix d’honneur de la Fondation Pro Aero in in 1992, celebrating his selection and training as an ESA leading to his inaugural flight. Nicollier was inducted into the Space Hall of Fame in 1997. In 2016, he received the World Space Book Award from the Academy of Astronautics for co-authoring Our Environment – Opportunities, Stakes, and Dangers. He has also received honorary doctorates from the and the (both in 1994), the (1999), and Business School Lausanne (2011).

Professional memberships and honors

Claude Nicollier was elected as a corresponding member of the International Academy of Astronautics in 2008, recognizing his contributions to and research. He has been listed as an active member in subsequent IAA rosters, underscoring his ongoing involvement in international space science discourse. Nicollier holds the title of Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), a distinction awarded to senior members for significant achievements in . This affiliation highlights his influence within professional networks focused on and . In , Nicollier serves as a member of the Swiss Space Center in , contributing to national efforts in technology and innovation. He is also a member of the Federal Commission for Space Affairs, an advisory body to the Swiss Federal Council on policy matters, a role that reflects his expertise in shaping Switzerland's strategy in recent years. Additionally, Nicollier is an individual member of the (IAU), connecting him to the global astronomical community. His astronaut career facilitated these elite affiliations, enhancing his stature in space-related professional circles.

Personal life

Family

Claude Nicollier was married to Susana Perez, originally from , , with whom he shared a partnership spanning over three decades that began before his selection as an in 1978. Perez provided steadfast support during Nicollier's demanding career in testing and spaceflight, including his four missions from 1992 to 1999, despite the inherent risks of such high-stakes endeavors. Tragically, Perez passed away on December 28, 2007, leaving Nicollier widowed. The couple had two daughters, , born on July 19, 1974, and , born on June 15, 1978, who grew up amid the challenges of their father's frequent travels and professional demands in the United States and . Nicollier has spoken of the importance of maintaining family connections during his career, balancing the perils of test piloting and space missions with time spent fostering a stable home life for his daughters. Nicollier and his family resided primarily in Switzerland, with strong ties to his birthplace of Vevey on the shores of , where he returned frequently even during his international assignments. Following his retirement from the in 2007 and the loss of his wife, Nicollier has remained in , primarily in the Lausanne and Vevey region as of 2025, with support from his family. His early family life in Vevey, marked by a happy childhood, instilled values of and that influenced his later personal commitments.

Interests and retirement

Following his retirement from the European Space Agency in 2007, Claude Nicollier has maintained a strong passion for aviation, having previously flown civilian Hawker Hunter jets at airshows and accumulating over 6,400 flight hours throughout his career, with approximately 4,000 in jet aircraft. This enduring interest reflects his early training as a Swiss Air Force pilot from 1966 to 2004, where he flew aircraft such as the Venom, Hawker Hunter, and F-5E Tiger, and his subsequent role as a test pilot. Nicollier's hobbies also include outdoor pursuits such as mountain climbing and snow skiing, activities he has enjoyed alongside flying and photography, often in the . His retirement lifestyle has been centered in since returning to in the mid-2000s, where he serves as an honorary professor at the (EPFL), teaching courses on space mission design and operations. This base allows for a balanced routine focused on local academic and advisory roles, including contributions to the project as head of the flight test and safety review board since 2011. In recent years, particularly in 2025, Nicollier has engaged in low-key activities such as speaking at career events for the , meeting with students at schools like Lycée Vauban, and participating in interviews on topics, emphasizing a measured pace after his intensive professional life. These engagements underscore his commitment to work-life balance at age 81, while residing in his native region with family support enabling these pursuits.

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