During this period, I organized and led 65 ESA reduced-gravity research campaigns and participated in more than 90 flight campaigns involving physical sciences, life sciences, human physiology, technology development, and astronaut-support activities.
My operational experience includes 7,389 parabolas flown aboard fourteen different aircraft types, totaling 39 hours and 34 minutes of accumulated weightlessness exposure—equivalent to approximately 26 Earth orbits—and additional experience in simulated Martian and lunar gravity environments. I supervised more than 1,000 microgravity experiments, served as Principal Investigator of microgravity instrumentation investigations, operated numerous experiments, and participated as a human subject in physiological investigations supporting space missions.
I hold the Guinness World Record for the greatest number of aircraft types flown in parabolic flight. Beyond the record itself, these experiences provided direct exposure to the operational realities of altered-gravity environments and the human adaptation challenges that future crews will encounter.
Selected as an ESA astronaut candidate by Belgium, I completed astronaut-related preparation including payload-specialist training activities at NASA Johnson Space Center and underwater EVA training at the ESA European Astronaut Centre. I subsequently expanded my experience through Mars analog campaigns, where I participated in three international crewed Mars mission simulations, conducted 36 experiments, accumulated 44 hours and 30 minutes of simulated EVA time, and served in command responsibilities during one of the simulations and during several EVA expeditions.
My scientific and academic activities extend beyond operational work. I have authored and co-authored hundreds of scientific publications and presentations, reviewed scientific papers and books, taught at universities across several continents, and delivered hundreds of invited lectures in astronautics, microgravity science, exploration, and related disciplines. Through educational outreach initiatives, more than 16,000 students attended my lectures and presentations.
My work has also been recognized through international distinctions including ESA awards, International Academy of Astronautics honors, keynote distinctions, scientific publication awards, and contributions to astronaut-training initiatives.
Through these experiences I came to understand that future space crews will increasingly differ from the traditional astronaut model. Commercial orbital stations, lunar bases, and eventual Mars expeditions will require individuals who simultaneously function as scientists, operators, educators, explorers, and contributors to human performance and crew resilience.
My objective is not simply to reach space. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to humanity's sustained expansion beyond Earth by applying scientific understanding, operational experience, and commitment to exploration toward missions that increase human capability and knowledge.
Space exploration has always represented a collective endeavor larger than any individual. I would be honored to contribute my experience, skills, and dedication to that continuing effort.
