1. Luxembourg has built a dynamic space ecosystem through innovation, research and international partnerships. As an engineer and astronaut, where do you see the most promising opportunities for Luxembourg to make an impact in space over the next decade? 

JP:  There are several areas where smaller, agile and innovative nations like Luxembourg have made and can continue to make an impact in space. Areas such as the commercial development of space resources, satellite communication and the terrestrial utilization of space-based data. As we return to the Moon and beyond and endeavour to establish a more permanent human presence outside our planet, there will be increasing demand for advanced technology to address deep space communication, orbital refuelling, satellite/station servicing and satellite repair, space debris and radiation mitigation, autonomous system operations, habitat and life-support infrastructure, telemedicine, and so on.   Many of these areas align well with Luxembourg’s strengths in high technology, research and entrepreneurship. The next decades will see the first real attempts at asteroid and lunar 

resource extraction and Luxembourg has already paved the way with its “SpaceResources.lu” initiative and 2017 Law on the Exploration and Use of Space Resources. This is one of the most strategically bold moves a small nation has made in what is currently an entirely new space economic domain. Luxembourg’s greatest advantage may be its ability to act as a connector between governments, the European Space Agency, research institutions, startups, and major international organizations, in the fields of legal framework, financing and mission architecture. Luxembourg has the potential to become a key architect of the space economy.  

2. Asteroid Day reminds us that space is not as distant from our daily lives as we often think. As more satellites and missions are launched, what should governments, industry and the public be doing now to ensure space remains safe and sustainable for future generations? 

JP:  This is a very important question. Due to the increased number of objects being launched into orbit, current and future space-based services, explorations, and operations face an escalating risk of collision, posing a safety threat to people and property in space and even to people on Earth. Great efforts are underway to improve tracking of these space objects and to develop the capability to identify potential collisions. But we need to do more. Here are some of the actions that could help mitigate this risk in the future: 

Government: Establish and enforce international treaties on space debris / create a shared space traffic management system (like air traffic control, but for space) / regulate commercial launches more strictly including requirements for disposal at the end of useful life / fund debris removal research

Industry: Design satellites and space vehicles that have manoeuvring and deorbit capabilities / share position and tracking data / invest in debris removal technologies

Public: Be aware and cognisant of the issues with space debris and space traffic management / push for accountability and sustainability, especially regarding mega-constellations in lower Earth orbit / demand transparency from space companies about their environmental footprint 

3. Space exploration has always depended on international cooperation. Looking back on your career, what lessons from working across cultures and organisations could help Europe build a stronger and more competitive space sector? 

JP:  Space is a very harsh and unforgiving environment where “failure is not an option” and success rarely is achieved alone. The benefits of international collaboration in space are not only in the sharing of risks, costs, knowhow and infrastructure, but in the demonstration that we can work together to explore and to advance knowledge. One of the lessons we have learned over 60 years of space exploration is that diversity is an operational asset and people with different problem-solving approaches consistently outperform expectations. Astronauts train together for years before launch and learn to depend on each other and on the ground experts, irrespective of which country they are from or what they look like. In fact, we have recently achieved the extraordinary milestone of 25 years of continuous human presence in space on board the International Space Station (ISS), without major mishap or conflict! Because we have learned to work together and to get alone. We had to. Could we apply some of these lessons on Earth?  European space organisations could replicate this and benefit from increased collaboration, less fragmentation/incompatibilities/duplication of effort. Harmonising standards across ESA members, having more joint programs and shared missions at the people level, for example, could be a force multiplier for the European space sector.  

4. For young women in Luxembourg and across Europe considering careers in science, engineering or space, what do you wish someone had told you when you were starting out? 

JP:  I would say the same thing to any young person aspiring to achieve a goal: Go after your dreams! If you are looking at careers in STEM or in space, there are many paths that lead there and a very broad range of skills are needed – engineering, science, biology, law, medicine, management, psychology, art. Aboard a spacecraft, the crew does not care much about differences or gender, we care about teamwork and we welcome the expertise of everyone. If barriers arise, and they do, believe that they can be undone with competence and perseverance, so go for it, don’t look back, and have fun!  In Luxembourg, the space sector is particularly vibrant, with strong initiatives, innovative organisations and a solid national space agency, so the opportunities are real and growing. And being part of Europe where people speak multiple languages, understand multiple cultures and have shown that they can work within solid coalitions is an advantage. Build on this strength, be bold, and don’t take No as an answer. 

5. Is there a moment from your time in space that still influences how you see the world today? 

JP:  From beginning to end, on both my space missions, I felt honoured and privileged to be part of a crew of a spacecraft and to help construct the international space station. The most indelible memory – that strikes all of us space flyers – is to be able to see the Earth from above. Our magnificent blue planet, right there at our feet. It appears to us like a blue marble in the backdrop of darkness. We all feel a strong connection to our planet, despite being in space.  It is so incredibly beautiful. And we cannot see any lines between countries from orbit, no borders. We know and understand that Earth is our home, a shared home, humanity’s common spaceship, and the only place we can return to. We all have a responsibility, a duty to take care of it. Ad astra!