Italian Astronaut Selected for Major US Space Mission
An Italian astronaut, Luca Parmitano, has been chosen to be the lead pilot for Artemis III, a significant spaceflight mission. This marks the first time a European has been involved in this key human spaceflight project.
Artemis III Mission Crew Unveiled
The head of the space agency announced on a recent Tuesday the crew for the 2027 flight. The flight aims to test new lunar landers, not on the moon but in the Earth's orbit.
The team for Artemis III includes Randy Bresnik, who will serve as the mission commander. Andre Douglas and Frank Rubio will carry out the roles of mission specialists. The crew, which includes three American astronauts and Parmitano from the European Space Agency, will practice docking their Orion capsule with two moon landers while in Earth's orbit.
These tests are described as rigorous and crucial for the preparation of Artemis IV. This is the first planned mission to carry a crew to the lunar South Pole, scheduled for 2028. Bob Hines, another astronaut, has been chosen as a backup crew member to be on standby for emergencies.
Success of Previous Missions
The Artemis III mission follows the successful Artemis II mission, where humans flew around the moon for the first time in over 50 years. The journey in April surpassed the distance record set by Apollo 13, a 1970 spaceflight.
"Today we're taking another bold step towards returning to the Moon. We're building on the extraordinary foundation that the Artemis II astronauts laid," the head of the space agency stated.
Meet Luca Parmitano
Parmitano will be the second non-US astronaut involved in the Artemis program, following Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency who flew on Artemis II.
The 49-year-old astronaut was chosen by the European Space Agency in 2009. He has an impressive track record, including two completed missions aboard the International Space Station.
Parmitano, who trained at the Italian Air Force Academy and served as a test pilot, has also completed complex spacewalks. A notable spacewalk in 2013 turned near-fatal when his helmet began to fill with water due to a failure in the suit's cooling system.
He is also known for performing the first-ever DJ set from space. "I am honored to be part of this crew, and humbled at the same time: my crew mates bring a wealth of different experiences, and I am looking forward to working with them, eager to learn and to contribute as much as I can in my role," Parmitano said after his selection as the Artemis III's lead pilot.
A Victory for Italy
Parmitano's involvement in the Artemis program signals a big win for Italy, as other international partners of the agency look forward to new roles.
In a statement, the President of the Italian Space Agency expressed that Parmitano's selection for Artemis III "confirms and enhances the role and capabilities of the European and Italian space system in the human exploration of the universe."
An Italian astronaut, Luca Parmitano, has been chosen to be the lead pilot for Artemis III, a significant spaceflight mission. This marks the first time a European has been involved in this key human spaceflight project.
Artemis III Mission Crew Unveiled
The head of the space agency announced on a recent Tuesday the crew for the 2027 flight. The flight aims to test new lunar landers, not on the moon but in the Earth's orbit.
The team for Artemis III includes Randy Bresnik, who will serve as the mission commander. Andre Douglas and Frank Rubio will carry out the roles of mission specialists. The crew, which includes three American astronauts and Parmitano from the European Space Agency, will practice docking their Orion capsule with two moon landers while in Earth's orbit.
These tests are described as rigorous and crucial for the preparation of Artemis IV. This is the first planned mission to carry a crew to the lunar South Pole, scheduled for 2028. Bob Hines, another astronaut, has been chosen as a backup crew member to be on standby for emergencies.
Success of Previous Missions
The Artemis III mission follows the successful Artemis II mission, where humans flew around the moon for the first time in over 50 years. The journey in April surpassed the distance record set by Apollo 13, a 1970 spaceflight.
"Today we're taking another bold step towards returning to the Moon. We're building on the extraordinary foundation that the Artemis II astronauts laid," the head of the space agency stated.
Meet Luca Parmitano
Parmitano will be the second non-US astronaut involved in the Artemis program, following Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency who flew on Artemis II.
The 49-year-old astronaut was chosen by the European Space Agency in 2009. He has an impressive track record, including two completed missions aboard the International Space Station.
Parmitano, who trained at the Italian Air Force Academy and served as a test pilot, has also completed complex spacewalks. A notable spacewalk in 2013 turned near-fatal when his helmet began to fill with water due to a failure in the suit's cooling system.
He is also known for performing the first-ever DJ set from space. "I am honored to be part of this crew, and humbled at the same time: my crew mates bring a wealth of different experiences, and I am looking forward to working with them, eager to learn and to contribute as much as I can in my role," Parmitano said after his selection as the Artemis III's lead pilot.
A Victory for Italy
Parmitano's involvement in the Artemis program signals a big win for Italy, as other international partners of the agency look forward to new roles.
In a statement, the President of the Italian Space Agency expressed that Parmitano's selection for Artemis III "confirms and enhances the role and capabilities of the European and Italian space system in the human exploration of the universe."