ESA background
Richard worked for 30 years at ESA and continues to contribute to mission development after retirement.
Mission log
From ESA missions to a private observatory in the Gers.
Richard Francis began as an amateur astronomer and photographer as a teenager, then built a long technical career at British Aerospace and the European Space Agency.
After years dealing with weather and light pollution in the Netherlands, Richard and Huguette found their ideal site in La Romieu in 2013: elevated ground, practical access, low light pollution and the calm of rural Gers.
- Teens Starts out as an amateur astronomer and photographer
- Career British Aerospace, then 30 years at the European Space Agency
- 2013 The La Romieu site is found and construction begins
- 2015 First light at Le Bourdieu Observatory
- Today Ongoing software, electronics and practical improvements
