Raphaël Liégeois: The Walloon Out of This World

In May 2024, the decision was made final: Raphaël Liégeois will embark on a journey to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2026, making him the third Belgian and first-ever Walloon to venture into the world of space. With two years of intensive training to go, the 2026 mission is already shaping up to be a historic milestone for Belgium – and nothing except a dream come true for Liégeois himself.

In November 2022, the European Space Agency - ESA disclosed its latest class of astronauts, selected from a pool of over 22,500 applicants and representing 22 different nations. Amongst this pool of elite candidates was 34-year-old Raphaël Liégeois – an engineer and scientist with a dazzling resume. Following a gruelling and highly competitive selection process, it was not only Liégeois’ technical expertise that set him apart, but also his fascinating level of curiosity and personal drive.

An Engrossing and Unparalleled Resume

Liégeois’ academic and professional accomplishments are nothing short of impressive.

Following the completion of his degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Liège, he continued his studies at École Centrale in Paris and obtained a master’s degree in Fundamental Physics from the University of Paris-Sud Orsay.

He then participated in a parabolic flight campaign with the French National Space Agency (CNES) to review a physics test in micro-gravity and pursued a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Liège, developing various mathematical models to better grasp brain functions.

photo credit: en.cite-espace.com

After completing his PhD, Liégeois travelled abroad, conducting post-doctoral research at the National University of Singapore , pursuing new neuroimaging markers for neurodegenerative diseases. Next, he transferred to Switzerland’s prestigious École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL , producing dynamic brain models, while performing as a visiting lecturer at Stanford University in the US .

Since 2021, Liégeois has based himself in Switzerland, balancing his time between teaching neuro-engineering, statistics and researching dynamics of the brain. His work portrays an extremely high-level of scientific understanding and has earned him numerous accolades in the field.

Outside the Academic World

Liégeois is not just an academic. Throughout his life he has been a voyager, not an observer.

He has piloted hot-air balloons and gliders, sailed across open waters, and once even cycled 6,000 kilometres from Singapore to Belgium to meet the poets and storytellers along his journey. He even finds space in his whirlwind-like schedule to practice the guitar and organ.

A Childhood Dream Accomplished

Growing up in the Namur Province, Liégeois dreamed of one day becoming an astronaut– thanks to his vivacious spirit and Belgium’s talented scientific community, that dream is now set to come true.

Belgium is a founding member of the ESA and has long prioritized investment in aerospace innovation. Increasing the 2023 contribution from 250 million to 305 million, the country is reaffirming its commitment to advancing science and technology, helping to foster immensely talented individuals like Raphaël Liégeois.

Skywin's stand at the Space Tech Expo Europe show in November 2023 © Skywin

The country’s aerospace sector employs over 10,000 people, all of whom continually contribute to addressing severe global challenges such as climate change and environmental sustainability.

Liégeois’ achievements are a testament to Belgium’s efforts to its research institutions, infrastructure and education systems, particularly within Wallonia and the French-speaking community.

The countdown is underway for Raphaël Liégeois’ mission to the ISS. His journey represents something larger than just one man’s sole achievements – it’s a source of pride for all Belgians, highlighting the power of human curiosity, determination and innovation

Original piece: wallonia.be