Camilla Jessen
After making Danish space history, Andreas Mogensen now takes on a key leadership role at ESA.
A new and exciting chapter begins for Denmark’s most famous astronaut, Andreas Mogensen.
After six months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), he’s returning to space. But this time, in a leadership role shaping the missions from the ground.
In an interview with Ritzau via Newsner, Mogensen revealed that he’s been appointed head of both the astronaut corps and the Human Exploration division at the European Space Agency (ESA).
His new job gives him major influence over Europe’s manned space missions, from training astronauts to planning future journeys into orbit. Possibly even to the Moon.
“It’s a further development of my career as an astronaut,” Mogensen explained, calling the role “insanely exciting.”
Just over a year ago, Andreas Mogensen made headlines as the first European pilot on a SpaceX mission and later as commander of the ISS.
Now, instead of preparing for his own missions, he’ll oversee how ESA selects, trains, and supports the next generation of astronauts.
Mogensen describes the role as a chance to help shape how Europe approaches manned spaceflight, not just deciding who flies, but also setting the course for future research and exploration.
A Turbulent Year
Not everything has been smooth sailing for Mogensen.
Earlier this year, he found himself in a media storm after criticizing SpaceX over delays returning astronauts to Earth.
His comments triggered an angry outburst from SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who lashed out on social media platform X with personal insults.
Mogensen, however, kept a calm tone and stood by his remarks.
NASA later backed him up, confirming that his explanation for the delay was accurate and not politically motivated, as Musk had claimed.