Claude Nicollier Quotes

A collection of quotes by Claude Nicollier.

Claude Nicollier is a Swiss astronaut who has made significant contributions to the field of space exploration. Born on September 2, 1944, in Vevey, Switzerland, Nicollier developed a passion for aerospace and engineering at a young age.

In 1978, Nicollier joined the European Space Agency (ESA) as a member of the European Astronaut Corps. He became the first Swiss astronaut to travel to space when he participated in the successful STS-46 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 1992. During this mission, he played a vital role in deploying the European Retrievable Carrier (EURECA) satellite.

Nicollier's expertise and dedication led to his selection for three additional spaceflights; STS-61 in 1993, STS-75 in 1996, and STS-103 in 1999. He was the lead spacewalker during the STS-61 mission, where he and his crew conducted critical repairs of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Over his illustrious career, Nicollier has accumulated more than 1,000 hours in space, firmly establishing himself as one of Europe's most accomplished astronauts. In recognition of his contributions, he has received numerous honors and awards, including the NASA Exceptional Medal and the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences' Marcel Benoist Prize.

After retiring from ESA in 2007, Nicollier remained engaged in space-related activities as a professor and public speaker, inspiring future generations of aerospace enthusiasts. His remarkable journey and invaluable contributions have solidified his place in history as a key figure in the exploration of the cosmos.