Astronaut Claude Nicollier will share his incredible experiences with Malagasy audiences this Saturday. On Saturday, July 18, 2026, the Institut français de Madagascar (IFM) and the Haikintana – Astronomy association will offer the public an exceptional encounter with Claude Nicollier, the first Swiss astronaut to fly in space, as part of the Madagascar Under the Stars festival. An astrophysicist and trained pilot, he participated in four missions aboard the American space shuttle between 1992 and 1999, accumulating over 1,000 hours in orbit and four extravehicular activities. His role in repairing the Hubble Space Telescope remains one of the defining moments of his career. Broadcasting live from Houston, he will share his experience and passion during the conference titled "Hubble, the Challenge and the Reward."

But the festival extends beyond this prestigious encounter. From the morning, children and teenagers will be invited to creative and digital workshops about constellations and Stellarium software, followed by an Astro-Quiz to test their knowledge. In the afternoon, researchers Jean-Christophe Hamilton, David Baratou, and Andoniaina Rajaonarivelo will open discussions on the origins of the universe and astronomy in Madagascar.

The cultural dimension will also be present with a film program dedicated to imaginary worlds and space narratives. From Supergirl to Mars Express, passing through The Martian and Disclosure Day, each screening will be an invitation to explore the infinite and dream of other horizons. With this edition, Madagascar Under the Stars aims to bring science and culture closer together, awaken curiosity, and offer the Malagasy public a day of exploration and sharing—an unmissable event for astronomy enthusiasts, families, and the curious.