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The French aerospace industry ranks second in the world, continuing a tradition of innovation that goes all the way back to the first manned flight -- by balloon! -- from Versailles under Louis XVI. (1)

Learn what's next in aviation and space innovation from three innovators linked to the French tradition. Discover how you soon will be using air taxis for urban travel, a new generation of the supersonic jet for long-distance flights, and new rocket designs to voyage into space. An air travel lifestyle that Jules Verne could only imagine now is on the cusp of becoming reality...

Event in English. A reception with refreshments will follow the discussion.

Guests are welcome to explore our eye-opening French Innovation exhibition in our gallery, featuring sketches, models, and more related to this series’ programs.

For Members

$10

For Non-members

$20

About the Panelists

Amanda Simpson is Vice President, Research and Technology (R&T) for Airbus Americas. She is responsible for establishing the strategic direction and funding opportunities for partnerships with scientific and research communities in North America.

Amanda’s 30 years of aerospace industry experience includes positions at Douglas Aircraft Company, Hughes Aircraft Company, Hughes Helicopters, Inc., and the Raytheon Company. She joined Airbus following her position in the U.S. Department of Defense, where she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy. In this role, Amanda was the senior advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Defense for all matters pertaining to energy in the U.S. military worldwide.

Aaron Lewis is Vice President Corporate Communications & Government Relations at Arianespace, a leading satellite launch company. Aaron is also Associate Director of Future Space Leaders, a foundation aiming to advance learning and professional enrichment of young space professionals and future leaders pursuing careers in the fields of space and satellites.

Prior to joining Arianespace, Inc., Aaron was a press secretary and legislative assistant for U.S. Representative Dana Rohrabacher – who is Chairman of the Space and Aeronautics subcommittee. Aaron graduated from St. John’s College Annapolis, Maryland where he studied the History of Math and Science, and Philosophy.

Vik Kachoria, CEO of Spike Aerospace, Inc., is a seasoned aerospace executive with 30 years of industry experience. Vik's career has included management of, and consulting for, high-growth ventures including supersonic jets, VLJs, air taxis, charter flights, sub-orbital rockets, and solar-powered satellites.

Source: (1) https://www.tealgroup.com/index.php/pages/press-releases/53-global-aerospace-industry-worth-838-billion-according-to-aerodynamic-advisory-and-teal-group-corporation

Image: spaceaero2 [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

French Innovation Series

France can lay claim to a significant number of world-changing inventions and innovations, from the Montgolfier brothers’ hot air balloon and the Concorde’s sonic boom, to pioneering the fashion industry, self-assembling shoes, live surgeries, and 3D printed aneurysms.

This spring, the French Library / Alliance Française of Boston and Cambridge is pleased to present “French Innovation,” its latest cultural program series. Each program in the series will explore the history of an industry, present its evolution and current landscape, welcome a modern-day innovator who will introduce us to a groundbreaking product, and provide an eye-opening, interactive gallery exhibit.

This series is brought to you, in part, by the Consulat Général de France à Boston, the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, and the Office for Science and Technology of the French Embassy.

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Upcoming Events

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In-person, Indoor Event in French

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Wednesday, June 17, 2026

The French Library is delighted to present this cooking class from our Gastronomy & Wine program. Guided by excellence, this program is designed to educate you in the fine art of cooking and oenology with experts.