The departure date, currently scheduled for April 20, is approaching for Thomas Pesquet.
Now is the time for final preparations and official presentations.
During an online press conference, the four astronauts - American Shane Kimbrough, American Megan McArthur, Japanese Akihiko Hoshid and Frenchman Thomas Pesquet - appeared smiling to answer questions about their upcoming flight.
They will join the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Space X's Crew Dragon spacecraft.
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“We can't wait to get started, to get down to business.
We have a lot to do on the ISS.
We are very motivated, ”assured the Frenchman in his speech.
The crew will fly in a capsule that had already been used in May 2020 during a manned test flight.
“A new vehicle” in which the French and his partners “have complete confidence”.
"Nothing prevents us from sleeping at night," assures the native of Rouen.
After having made a first stay in space between November 2016 and June 2017, the Frenchman approaches this new journey with a new state of mind "The first time, I was constantly busy making little videos, taking pictures" , he recalls.
This time, he intends to take advantage of it: “I think I'm going to take time for myself, by doing nothing.
Just 15 minutes without doing anything, having a coffee, looking out the window.
"
