Rice University’s David Alexander recently received the Ordre national du Mérite (National Order of Merit), an honor awarded by the French president for, among other things, innovation and contributions to the renown of France.
“This award is both solemn and deeply meaningful,” said Frank Marchetti, the consul general of France to Houston. “We are here to recognize Dr. Alexander’s outstanding contribution to strengthen the relationship between Rice and France in the area of space.”
Alexander, who received an Order of the British Empire in 2018, is the director of the Rice Space Institute and a professor of physics and astronomy. He played an instrumental role in the founding of the Texas-France Space Hub in 2025. “This forged new pathways for French startups to engage with one of the most dynamic space ecosystems in the world,” Marchetti said.
The award was presented by French astronaut Jean-Loup Chrétien during an intimate ceremony held at the Residence of France in Houston.
“This is an incredible honor,” Alexander said as he accepted the award. “It would not have been possible without the support each of you have given me over the years, along with many others. Space exploration and discovery is done best when it grows from fantastic collaborations and partnerships like these.”
Among the attendees was Johnson Space Center director Vanessa Wyche, who received her own French Order of Merit just a few days later at a ceremony held in NASA’s control center for the then-upcoming Artemis II launch. Alexander, of course, was one of those in attendance.
“I am beyond humbled to be receiving this award, which reflects the strong, 60-plus year relationship between NASA and France,” Wyche said. “NASA also has a strong relationship with Rice, so David and I were delighted to attend each other’s ceremonies. This week truly highlighted what can be accomplished through collaborative space efforts, both local and international.”