André Lebeau (March 4, 1932État civil sur le fichier des personnes décédées en France depuis 1970 – February 25, 2013) was a French aerospace engineer, administrator, and author who served as the President of the National Center for Space Studies (CNES), Deputy Director General and Director of Programs at the European Space Agency, president of EUMETSAT, Vice President of World Meteorological Organization, and Director General of Météo-France. He authored several books on space and environmental topics. Lebeau received various honors including France's highest order of merit, Legion of Honour.Pierre Morel, L'Archicube, no. 15b, February 2014, p. 201-205
Early life and education Lebeau was born in Montceau-les-Mines, Saône-et-Loire. He studied at Lycée Saint-Louis before attending the École Normale Supérieure in Paris, where he received a degree in physical sciences in 1952. In 1956, he passed the agrégation examination in physical sciences. Lebeau received his doctorate in science in 1965, with the thesis titled Les courants électriques dans l'ionosphère des régions polaires (English: Electric Currents in the Ionosphere of the Polar Regions).
Career In 1958, Lebeau participated in the 2nd French Antarctic Expedition, supporting the construction of the Dumont d'Urville base during the International Geophysical Year. In 1961, he founded and directed the Ionospheric Research Group, a collaboration between telecommunications, geophysical, and scientific research organizations.
Lebeau joined the French Space Agency (CNES) in 1965 as Director of Programs and Planning. He later served as Deputy Director General for Industrial Policy Programs (1972–1975). He then worked at the European Space Agency from 1975 to 1980 as Deputy Director General and Director of Programs.
Roles PositionOrganizationChair of Space Techniques and ProgramsConservatoire National des Arts et MétiersDirectorNational Meteorology OfficeDirector GeneralMétéo-FrancePresidentFrench Polar ExpeditionsPresidentEUMETSAT CouncilVice PresidentWorld Meteorological OrganizationPresidentNational Center for Space Studies (CNES)
Honors and awards Lebeau received various honors including:
Frank J. Malina Astronautics Medal (1988) French National Order of Merit Legion of Honour
Publications Lebeau was the author of several books on space and technology as well as environmental issues. He is also the author of important physics work on the upper atmosphere and geomagnetism.
Bibliography Pierre Morel, "", L'Archicube, no. 15b, February 2014, p. 201-205 (read online | archive). Biographie André Lebeau Professeur honoraire au Conservatoire national des arts et métiers, Who's Who in France Gaubert (Alain), Entretiens avec André Lebeau, Chantilly, Tessier et Ashpool, 2013 Laurec (Alain), Éloge du Professeur André Lebeau, Académie de Marine, Communications et mémoires, Année académique 2015–2016, n° 2 (January–March 2016), p. 17-24. Bureau of Longitudes
References
External links Legacy tribute on Bureau des Longitudes