IEEE Spectrum breed · Technology

Pedro Duque, Spain's First Astronaut, Honored by IEEE

Pedro Duque, Spain's first astronaut and former Minister of Science, has been named an IEEE Honorary Member for his contributions to space exploration and leadership.

Duque flew on the space shuttle Discovery and the ISS. He later led Spain's Ministry of Science and now chairs the satellite company HispaSat.

The IEEE recognized Duque for his "contributions to space exploration, leadership in collaborative science and technology programs, and serving as a role model."

Inspired by Apollo 11, Duque pursued aeronautical engineering. Spain's post-Franco era enabled greater participation in space programs with the ESA.

His career included developing algorithms at GMV and working on ESA satellite flight control. He joined the ESA Astronaut Corps in 1992.

Duque's missions included work on the EuroMir space station and a NASA mission. He flew as a mission specialist on STS-95 and as a flight engineer on a joint Russia-Spain ISS mission.

He described spaceflights as rewarding, cherishing views of Earth and camaraderie. He noted astronaut roles evolved from test pilots to experimenters.

Navigating fame was challenging. His leadership skills have been key in his roles, including as minister, where Spain increased ESA investment.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.