Ioonos

IOONOS: As an astronaut, do you have the soul of an adventurer?

Jean-François Clervoy: I certainly have a taste for adventure, and I’d say that during a space flight there are three things that turn an astronaut into an adventurer. The first is the phenomenal power of the lift-off motors required to take you out of the atmosphere and achieve orbiting speed (about 8 km per second). At that moment you cannot help feeling you are a stunt man. The second is the spectacular view of Earth. This blinding view of a large chunk of our globe cannot leave anyone indifferent. The third is the game itself. Anything that isn’t attached floats away, which suggests a wide variety of games impossible on Earth. There is no more high or low. You move like an eel from one module to another, using any of the cabin’s walls to work, read, sleep or rest.

IOONOS: What is an astronaut’s job?

Jean-François Clervoy: Our missions in flights are to repair satellites, explore and test out new technologies, or to carry out scientific experiments. But above all we are workmen, plumbers, repairmen… Our tasks are to guide the robots, step out into space, control equipment stowed in the space vehicle’s hold, and manage the onboard resources. Not forgetting to always make sure of our own safety, especially when leaving and re-entering the atmosphere!

IOONOS: With whom do you have to work?

Jean-François Clervoy: Mainly with fellow astronauts, as well as with controllers on the ground and instructors. I have also often worked with engineers who are developing future programmes for manned space flights.

IOONOS: What skills are needed?

Jean-François Clervoy: You have to be extremely versatile, and a state-of-the-art specialist in a technical or scientific field that is related to space. In my own case, my versatility comes from a scientific training in France at the Ecole Polytechnique, technical training at the “Sup Aero” [both among France’s elite educational institutions], and operational training at EPNER (the test pilots’ training school).

IOONOS: And the qualities needed?

Jean-François Clervoy: The ability to work as member of a team, emotional stability, good health that is confirmed annually through a complete check-up, a taste for technical challenges and strong motivation. This is a job you don’t do out of interest – but out of enthusiasm!

IOONOS: What advice would you give young people attracted to your profession?

Jean-François Clervoy: I would recommend this profession to those who are tempted by passion, because that passion will help them overcome the trials and tribulations and make them work hard to succeed. However, you have to be aware that it’s not the sort of job you can just choose like most “earth-bound” jobs. Every astronaut had a job before being selected. The final selection does not just depend on theoretical, physical and psychological exam results, like other jobs, but a lot is left to chance since there are so few places.