Dr. Erick Lansard, an Icon of Change from France

Icons of Change International Awards 2025

Dr. Erick Lansard
Full Professor, Nanyang Technological University – Singapore
Former VP Innovation & R&T, Thales Defense Mission Systems – Élancourt, Île-de-France, France

Alcatel-Lucent/Nokia Bell Labs Fellow
AIAA Fellow
Life Member of the International Academy of Astronautics
Life Member of the Air & Space Academy

Sustainable Development Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Changemaker for Space Innovation, Research, and Global Collaboration (France)

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Few careers in aerospace embody the synthesis of scientific rigor, corporate leadership, and academic mentorship as profoundly as that of Dr. Erick Lansard. Over nearly four decades, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of human ingenuity—pioneering new approaches to space system design, leading some of the most influential R\&D institutions in Europe, and nurturing innovation ecosystems across continents. His trajectory illustrates how vision, when paired with relentless pursuit of excellence, can shape industries, inspire nations, and expand the very horizons of human exploration.

Dr. Lansard began his journey with the discipline of a scholar. Armed with an Engineering degree in Aeronautical & Space, a Master of Science in Fluid Mechanics, and a PhD in Space Geodesy, he entered the aerospace field during a period of rapid technological acceleration. His early work with Alcatel Espace in 1987 positioned him at the cutting edge of mission analysis, where he spearheaded advanced studies in radar observation, signal intelligence, telecommunications, and GNSS navigation systems. Even then, his projects reflected not just technical ambition, but also a clear vision: to make space systems not merely instruments of observation, but enablers of progress for science, defense, and society.

As his career advanced, so did his influence. Rising to become Director of System Engineering and later Director of Architecture, Observation & Sciences Space Systems, he oversaw a portfolio that spanned optical, infrared, hyperspectral, and radar technologies. His leadership bridged the scientific precision of space research with the demands of global industry—ensuring that systems designed in Europe would set standards worldwide. In subsequent roles as Director of Research for Alcatel Space, Alcatel Alenia Space, and later Thales Alenia Space, he orchestrated large-scale research and technology programs across France and Italy, coordinating teams across Toulouse, Cannes, Roma, and Torino.

But Dr. Lansard’s impact has never been confined to Europe. With his appointment as VP Technical & Space Development at Thales Solutions Asia in Singapore, he became a global bridge-builder—advancing innovation across Asia and creating opportunities for collaboration between industry, government, and academia. Later, as VP Innovation & R&T at Thales Defense Mission Systems, he championed open innovation, forging worldwide collaborations that ensured aerospace development remained at the forefront of tackling global challenges—whether sovereignty, security, or sustainability.

One of his most enduring legacies lies in the design of satellite constellations. These innovations are not abstract engineering marvels—they are lifelines for communities on Earth. Whether enabling faster communication for disaster response, providing vital data to track deforestation and climate change, or extending internet connectivity to underserved regions, his work has a direct human impact. In times of natural disasters such as cyclones or earthquakes, constellations engineered with his methodologies have allowed first responders to map devastated areas in real-time—saving lives and accelerating aid delivery. In this way, Dr. Lansard’s contributions have not only advanced science; they have tangibly improved resilience for millions of people worldwide.

Today, as a Full Professor (Practice) at Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Dr. Lansard is shaping the next generation of engineers and innovators. His mission is no longer only to design space systems, but to design ecosystems—where research, education, and industry converge to accelerate progress. Through his mentorship, his students gain more than technical expertise; they inherit a legacy of curiosity, resilience, and global collaboration. His scholarly output includes more than 50 papers and several patents, particularly in satellite constellation design—a field that underpins global communications, disaster monitoring, and sustainable development.

His contributions have been recognized at the highest levels of the aerospace community. He is a Life Member of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and the Air & Space Academy (AAE), an AIAA Fellow, and an Alcatel-Lucent/Nokia Bell Labs Fellow. His leadership roles on the Scientific Council of CNRS, the Executive Board of Toulouse University, the Scientific Board of Midi-Pyrénées Observatory, and Singapore’s National Supercomputing Board reflect his influence not only as a researcher, but as a policy-shaper and thought leader in global science and technology governance.

Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, Dr. Lansard’s body of work demonstrates how space technology drives resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability. From telecommunications that connect remote communities, to Earth observation systems that aid in climate monitoring, to constellation designs that ensure reliable infrastructure across the globe—his innovations exemplify how engineering serves humanity at scale.

In honoring Dr. Erick Lansard with the Icons of Change International Award 2025, we recognize more than a distinguished career. We celebrate a lifetime of innovation that transcends borders, of research that translates into infrastructure for humanity, and of leadership that ensures future generations inherit not just knowledge, but vision. His career stands as a testament to the power of science and innovation to transform industries, strengthen nations, and expand the human story into the cosmos.

Dr. Erick Lansard is not only an architect of space systems—he is an architect of possibility.

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