The Karman Project Team Gathers in Paris to Celebrate Chair Hélène Huby's National Order of Merit

The Karman Project Team Gathers in Paris to Celebrate Hélène Huby's National Order of Merit

The Karman Project team gathered in Paris on March 13th, 2026, to commemorate Co-Founder and Chair Hélène Huby's appointment to the Ordre national du Mérite (National Order of Merit). This prestigious honor is conferred by the President of the French Republic in recognition of distinguished civil or military service. Nominees are proposed by government ministries or members of the Order and carefully reviewed before the President confirms the appointments

In tribute to her academic roots, Hélène chose to hold the ceremony at the École Normale Supérieure Paris, her alma mater, lending the occasion an added layer of personal meaning. Surrounded by colleagues, friends, and family, the moment reflected both her individual accomplishments and the collective spirit she has helped foster throughout the global space community.

In a particularly moving and symbolic moment, the insignia of the Order was presented by none other than Jean-Jacques Dordain, Chair of the Karman Fellowship Selection Board. In his remarks, he highlighted Hélène’s unwavering commitment to fostering cooperative space initiatives across Europe and beyond. Reflecting on The Karman Project's continued growth, Jean-Jacques noted that with the upcoming selection of the seventh cohort of Karman Fellows, the Fellowship will soon count more than 100 distinguished alumni: a “peaceful marching army” embodying the leadership needed to shape a truly cooperative future in space. He concluded by emphasizing that The Karman Project is not just as relevant today as at its founding; it has in fact never been more vital.

For the team, consisting of Managing Director Hannah Ashford, Fundraising and Partnerships Director Öykü Gürsu, Treasurer Artur Koop, and Program Coordinator Adrian Flynn, the ceremony was both a celebration and a moment of reflection: an opportunity to recognize Hélène’s remarkable career journey, and to reaffirm the mission and values that continue to guide The Karman Project.