Pioneer Astronaut and Expert in Astrophysics and Space
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École Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneClaude Nicollier is a prominent lecturer at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he shares his extensive knowledge in astrophysics, space, and aviation. Originally trained as an astrophysicist and a fighter pilot in the Swiss Air Force, Nicollier was selected as a member of the first group of European Space Agency (ESA) astronauts in 1978. He joined NASA's astronaut program in 1980 and participated in four Space Shuttle missions, including two servicing missions for the Hubble Space Telescope, logging over 1,000 hours in space. After retiring from ESA in 2007, he became an Honorary Professor at EPFL, where he teaches courses on Space Mission Design and Operations and assists students with space-related projects. He has also contributed to the Solar Impulse solar-powered aircraft project as Head of Flight Test and a member of the Safety Review Board. His expertise encompasses various fields, including physics, astrophysics, aerospace engineering, and high-performance aviation, making him a key figure in advancing education and research in space exploration.