Details: Published: 06 July 2026

AFAM: Hello Tanguy, and thank you for agreeing to answer our questions. You are currently a Master student at Purdue University in Aeronautics and Astronautics. Please tell us more about your journey and what led you to it? How come that ( and when) you became interested in aeronautics?

Tanguy: Thank you so much for having me! Honestly, my journey really started just by looking up. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been absolutely fascinated by the stars, and I would spend countless hours at night just staring at the sky. Growing up, that curiosity was heavily fueled by science fiction. Exploring universes like Star Wars and seeing the concept of multi-planetary species completely captured my imagination. It naturally drove me to learn everything I could about space transportation.

As I dug deeper, I developed a massive fascination for rocket engines. The idea of taking that kind of raw, explosive power and engineering a way to perfectly control it to conquer space just blew my mind. I knew I had to be a part of it. To turn this dream into a reality, I went through the demanding classe préparatoire system and joined Arts et Métiers to build a rock-solid foundation in mechanics and energetics.

However, the landscape in France is a bit different. Most of the advanced space propulsion research is strictly concentrated within the industry, meaning there are virtually no opportunities to get involved in hands-on propulsion research at the academic Master's level. I wanted to be right in the thick of the research and testing, which is exactly why choosing Purdue University's Aeronautics and Astronautics program was an absolute no-brainer for me!

AFAM: before your master’s year at Purdue, you were an intern at NAASC Center Spatial Universitaire de Nouvelle Aquitaine. What kind of knowledge and skills did you gain there?

Tanguy: It was my very first real exposure to the space industry, and it was exactly the opportunity I needed to get my foot in the door. One of my biggest takeaways was realizing that even though Arts et Métiers isn't strictly an aerospace-focused school, the rigorous training we receive in areas like subtractive machining, additive manufacturing, and complex design are absolutely essential in the space sector.

I got to dive right in and apply those exact skills, focusing heavily on Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and physically machining a structural and thermal mock-up of the NanoNAASC satellite to prepare for its CNES certification. Getting to physically build and test the structure of a real satellite project made the dream of working in this field feel incredibly concrete and tangible for me!

AFAM: What classes did you take at Purdue? What did you enjoy the most about your classes and campus life?

Tanguy: Since my major is in propulsion, I took classes like Advanced Rocket Propulsion, Combustion, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Gas Dynamics, and Spacecraft Electric Propulsion. I also chose to take courses in Artificial Intelligence, as it is a massively expanding sector right now and highly relevant for the future of engineering.

But honestly, what I have enjoyed the most goes way beyond the coursework itself. The real highlight has been the opportunity to do research and actively contribute to the chemical propulsion community. That is what makes this experience so unique and deeply rewarding. In fact, I expect to publish a research paper on Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines (RDREs) in the coming months, which I am thrilled to co-author alongside leading figures in the field of space propulsion!

AFAM: how did being a Gadz’Arts help you in your professional life and studies in the United States?

Tanguy:

The Gadz'Arts community has been absolutely crucial for me. When I was putting together my applications for US universities, the cohort of students from the class above me who had already moved to the States were incredibly helpful. To be completely honest, I don't think I would have ever been able to join such a prestigious institution in the aerospace field without their guidance. They took the time to review my cover letters and my resume, and helped me navigate the many strategic choices you have to make during the application process.

Later on, I also received amazing support from Christophe Tardieu. He really helped me rebuild my resume and perfect my "elevator pitch" to adapt them to the US format. That mentorship gave me a huge advantage in successfully building and expanding my professional network over here!

AFAM: What are your plans for the future ( if you could tell us a bit more about it)?

Tanguy: I have truly loved my time here! Being in the US gives you the incredible feeling that absolutely anything is possible. However, the reality is that it is becoming increasingly complicated for international students to secure work in this country. This is especially true in the space sector, which has always had its own strict hurdles and regulations. Even right now, within the university, there are certain resources and materials I simply am not allowed to access as an international student.

On the flip side, I have deeply enjoyed my research activities here. So, moving forward, my plan is to look for job opportunities in the space sector back in France, while also exploring broader job opportunities here in the US!

AFAM: you live in Indiana. Can you tell a bit more about your life? What are you doing in your free time?

Tanguy: Indiana is definitely a very rural state and might not be a top tourist destination, but it is honestly a fantastic place to live! It is the true American heartland, which gives you a genuine experience of what the "real" US is like, far away from the typical big coastal cities. That being said, we aren't isolated at all—Indianapolis is just an hour away, and Chicago is only a two-and-a-half-hour drive, which is absolutely perfect for weekend getaways!

The town here is almost entirely built around the university, making it a quintessential American "college town" that is completely designed around student life. In my free time, I really love taking advantage of the incredible sports facilities the university provides. It is the perfect way to unwind and fully enjoy the campus experience!

in France, while also exploring broader job opportunities here in the US!

AFAM: Thank you, Tanguy!