20/03/2026
INSPIRING: Gwendolyn Pascua from Tabuk, Kalinga works with Astronaut in Europe
Ever since grade school, Gwendolyn Pascua has been collecting pictures of astronauts because she dreamed of becoming one. She worked hard in school, spending her time and effort to gain the knowledge she needed to reach her dream.
Now in her 30s, Pascua works as a ground controller at the Biotechnology Space Support Center (BIOTESC) in Switzerland, where she collaborates with scientists and astronauts. In November 2019, she was part of the successful space mission of Thomas Pesquet aboard the Soyuz MS-03.
Gwendolyn Pascua has built an impressive track record of accomplishments. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics and Master’s degree in Physics from the University of the Philippines. Her academic journey expanded internationally, taking her to Université de Rennes I in France and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Germany, where she deepened her expertise.
At BIOTESC, she played a vital role in high-profile missions, including the successful launch of astronaut Thomas Pesquet aboard the Soyuz MS-03.
From her roots in the Cordillera to her contributions to major space agencies, Pascua’s career is a testament to her dedication and resilience. Her inspiring journey begs the question: could she be among the next pioneers to make history in space exploration?