In 1986, Duque earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.

In 1986, he worked for GMV and for the European Space Agency (ESA) for six years before being selected as a candidate to become an astronaut in 1992.

In October 2003, Duque visited the International Space Station on board a Soyuz TMA Ship for several days during a crew changeover.

In October 2011, Duque returned to his position at the European Space Agency, reprising his role as an astronaut.

The company founded by serial entrepreneur Mikhail Kokorich is developing a hypersonic liquid hydrogen aircraft.