Nearly 230 students from schools across Monaco gathered at Collège Charles III this week to meet former astronaut and NASA administrator Bill Nelson during a special visit centred on space exploration, science and future careers…
The event formed part of Monaco’s participation in celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of United States independence and included discussions between Nelson and representatives of the Principality’s growing space sector.
During a two-hour exchange with students from Collège Charles III, Lycée Albert Ier and FANB, Nelson reflected on his extraordinary career, which saw him become the second sitting member of the US Congress to travel into space aboard the space shuttle Columbia in 1986 before later serving as administrator of NASA from 2021 to 2025.
Students listened attentively as the 83-year-old shared personal anecdotes, lessons from space travel and his enduring passion for exploration. Several pupils described the encounter as inspiring, particularly those considering careers in science and aerospace.
One of the strongest moments came when Nelson recalled seeing Earth from space for the first time, explaining that from orbit “you don’t see racial division, political division or religious division.” Instead, he said, humanity appears united on a single planet.
Following the school visit, Nelson was also received at the State Department by Isabelle Berro-Amadeï for discussions linked to Monaco’s international cooperation and interest in the space sector.
For many students, the visit offered a rare opportunity to connect directly with one of the most recognisable figures in modern American space exploration.
Image: Communication Department