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HStar Appoints François Henry as EVP of Europe and CEO of HStar in France, Leading Europe’s Next Era of Space Access


HStar is proud to announce François Henry as the EVP of Europe and CEO of HStar SAS, our newly established French entity. With decades of leadership across space, telecommunications, and high-tech industries, François brings a strategic vision to drive Europe’s independent heavy launch capabilities forward. 

 

For François, this is more than just a role—it’s the realization of a lifelong passion. “I’ve been captivated by space since childhood, ever since I received my first Ariane 1 model rocket. That early fascination turned into a career where I’ve had the privilege of working on everything from secure satellite communications to next-generation space infrastructure,” he shared. 

 

A Leader for Europe’s Next Space Chapter 

 

With executive experience at Kinéis, Varian Medical Systems, Vantiva (formerly Technicolor), and Thales Alenia Space, François has spent his career bringing bold concepts to reality, navigating complex European regulatory environments, and leading multinational teams across aerospace and critical national infrastructure. 

 

He sees his role at HStar as more than just building a rocket—it’s about delivering a capability Europe urgently needs. “After speaking with leaders across ESA, the European Commission, and industry, it’s clear that Europe has groundbreaking projects waiting in the wings. But they lack the necessary launch capacity to bring them to life. We are here to change that.” 

 

Under François’ leadership, HStar in France will provide Europe with a nondependent, scalable, and high-cadence heavy launch solution—one that ensures European missions aren’t constrained by external providers. 

 

Bringing HStar’s Core Values to Life 

 

At HStar, Flexibility, Cooperation, and Longevity are more than just guiding principles—they are what will make European heavy launch a reality. François sees these values at the core of how he will lead HStar SAS: 

 

🔹 Flexibility – “We must adapt to the evolving needs of Europe’s space sector. The future demands a launch system that serves commercial and institutional needs while remaining modular, cost-efficient, and agile.” 

 

🔹 Cooperation – “Europe has a long history of uniting its best minds to accomplish the impossible—just look at Ariane and Airbus. HStar will take that same collaborative approach, bringing together the best of European and American expertise.” 

 

🔹 Longevity – “This isn’t just about launching today’s missions—it’s about securing Europe’s place in the future of space. We are building a foundation that will enable the biggest technological transitions of our time, from space-based solar power to global data infrastructure.” 

 

A Turning Point for European Space 

 

With HStar in France, Europe gains an independent launch partner that can deliver the high-frequency, heavy-payload capabilities its future requires. François is ready to lead that charge. 

 

“Space is about ambition—but ambition must be met with action. HStar is here to provide the launch solution that Europe needs to take its place at the forefront of the global space economy. I’m honored to be part of this journey.” 

 

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