Mr. Chretien leads the company’s research efforts in the field of advanced technologies.

Mr. Chretien is recognized as the first Western European to travel in space, as well as the first non-American and non-Soviet cosmonaut to walk in space. A veteran of three space flights, Chrétien was the tenth Intercosmos cosmonaut, and has spent a total of 43 days, 11 hours, 18 minutes, 42 seconds in space, including an EVA of 5 hours, 57 minutes.

His various missions include serving on the Soyuz T-6 mission where he helped to carry out a program of joint Soviet-French experiments, including a series of French echography cardiovascular monitoring system experiments; on board Soyuz TM-7, where he linked up with Mir 1 and joined the crew already on board; and serving on the crew of STS-86 Atlantis (September 25 to October 6, 1997) the seventh mission to rendezvous and dock with the Russian Space Station Mir.

Mr. Chrétien earned a Master's degree in aeronautical engineering at the French Air Force Academy. He was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, Commandeur de la Légion d'Honneur (Commander of the Legion of Honor); Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Mérite (Knight of the National Order of Merit).

He serves as a board member for the Academie de l' Air et de l' Espace, and the French Air and Space Museum. He is also a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the International Academy of Astronautics, and the Association of Space Explorers.