The Musée Clin d’Ailes celebrated Claude Nicollier’s 80th birthday.
Credit : Claude Nicollier, NASA, ESA
On 2 September 2024, the first Swiss astronaut and former military pilot Claude Nicollier turned 80. This date marks a turning point in the life of a remarkable and extraordinary personality. His space missions have undoubtedly contributed to the popularisation of space in Switzerland and are a source of inspiration for many people.
It was important for us to celebrate this event in the right way and to honour the person that Claude Nicollier is.
This celebration took place at the Payerne Military Aviation Museum ‘Clin d’Ailes’ as part of Payerne Space Days 2024 on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October 2024.
Claude Nicollier was joined by his family, friends and leading figures from the world of science and politics.
A live ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) contact with NASA astronaut Mike Barratt on board the ISS took place at 16:44 Swiss time (14:44 UTC) on Saturday 5 October. Claude Nicollier was able to greet the astronauts on board the space station before the students from Payerne Air Force Base could ask their questions to Mike Barratt.
Mike Barrat, NASA astronaut (Credit NASA)
Sunday 6 Ocotber 2024
Many thanks to the large audience who came to pay tribute to Claude Nicollier. A standing ovation at the end of his talk was the reward for his account of his journey to become the first Swiss astronaut.
Our thanks also go to the Gruyère Space Program team.
Thank you to the team for agreeing to show Colibri to the public. Colibri, the world’s first student-built rocket hopper! The public really appreciated your presence and the opportunity you gave them to follow an excellent conference.
Gruyère Space Program ->