Thomas Pesquet, the renowned French astronaut, has captivated the world with his missions to the International Space Station. While his professional life is often in the public eye, his romantic history is marked by a singular, enduring partnership with Anne Mottet. Their relationship, characterized by mutual respect, shared ambition, and significant geographical distance, offers a unique glimpse into the personal life of an individual whose career literally takes him out of this world.
Pesquet and Mottet have maintained a long-term, committed relationship for many years, though the exact start date is not widely publicized. Anne Mottet is a highly accomplished agronomist and livestock policy officer for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, based in Rome, Italy. This professional commitment means that even when Pesquet is on Earth, their relationship often navigates a long-distance dynamic, with the couple typically seeing each other about twice a month.
Their bond was notably tested and highlighted during Pesquet's extensive space missions. Anne Mottet has consistently shown immense support for his demanding career, often following his launches and returns with deep emotion. During his time aboard the ISS, they maintained contact through weekly phone calls, a vital link between Earth and orbit. Pesquet has publicly acknowledged the sacrifices his career demands from his loved ones, stating, "It's complicated for her, it's complicated for the loved ones who stay behind and whom we abandon."
A particularly poignant detail emerged during his first mission, Proxima, when Pesquet famously brought a necklace belonging to Anne Mottet into space with him, a quiet testament to their connection across vast distances. Anne, in turn, sent him a kilogram of his favorite Comté cheese for his 39th birthday while he was in orbit, showcasing the personal touches that define their relationship despite the extraordinary circumstances.
One of the most discussed aspects of their relationship is their mutual decision not to have children. Thomas Pesquet has openly addressed this, explaining that it is a "choice of couple" driven by the demanding nature of their respective careers. He stated in an interview, "We never really had the time, nor the irrepressible desire to have them." This shared understanding underscores their commitment to their professional paths and to each other, prioritizing their unique life together over traditional family structures.
Anne Mottet's strength and independence have been frequently praised by Pesquet. He has noted her resilience in managing her own successful career while supporting his, remarking, "Anne has a strength of character that far exceeds mine." She ensures their "nucleus" remains strong, even when he is absent for long periods of training and missions, maintaining connections with his family and friends.
Despite the challenges, their relationship appears to thrive on mutual respect and shared values. They often share glimpses of their time together on social media, showcasing their travels and outdoor activities when Pesquet is back on Earth. Their story is one of modern partnership, adapting to extraordinary circumstances, and proving that love can indeed span continents – and even galaxies.
Thomas Pesquet and Anne Mottet continue to navigate their unique life together, with Anne remaining a steadfast presence in the astronaut's life, whether he is grounded or soaring among the stars. Their relationship stands as a testament to commitment and adaptation in the face of unconventional demands, embodying a love story that is truly out of this world.