Toulouse: Nora Petersen, the physical trainer of Thomas Pesquet
Black belt in karate and doctor in physical preparation, Nora Petersen takes care of the state of form of Thomas Pesquet. With KBR, a subcontractor for the European Space Agency, she manages the physical training of several astronauts.
“Space is always something that fascinates me”. Sports watch on the wrist and polo shirt from the European Space Agency on the back, Nora Petersen is not used to lending herself to the game of questions. Sitting in front of the entertainment at the Cité de l’Espace, she only has a few minutes before going on stage with Thomas Pesquet.
The German from Friborg is a close collaborator of the French astronaut. “We have a relationship of trust. We train together. Laughing, I say that he gives me French lessons and I give him bodybuilding advice, ”admits the one who has a doctorate in physical preparation. Nora Petersen participated in the physical accompaniment of several astronauts.
Read also :
After the Space Station, Thomas Pesquet saw the Moon
Pioneer in the profession of physical trainer for astronauts
“People don’t realize the impact of gravity on the human body. The astronauts lost muscle mass and bone density”. To prepare the teams that will be sent into space, the German prepares rigorous sports programs.
Before take-off, during the flight and after landing, everything is evaluated. Nora Petersen is one of the first to have worked on aspects of physical preparation, with KBR, a subcontractor for the European Space Agency. “I remember when there were no jobs for this job. From now on, in the world, there are about fifteen of us”, proudly admits the sports coach who is also a 3rd dan black belt in Karate.
Read also :
VIDEO. Astronaut Thomas Pesquet welcomed as a superstar by 5,000 people at the Cité de l’Espace
A few years ago, Nora Petersen also dreamed of living a space mission. The physical trainer applied to become an astronaut: “I didn’t want to regret, so I took the competitions. But I knew they weren’t looking for profiles like mine,” admits Nora Petersen.