Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano is set to pilot the Artemis III mission, which will take place near Earth in 2027 to test two lunar modules. The mission marks a significant step in lunar exploration, and Parmitano brings a wealth of experience and a touch of Italian culture to the crew.
Italian Flavor in Space
During the Artemis II mission in April, the crew enjoyed Texas brisket and tortillas, but a jar of Nutella was also spotted floating in the Orion spacecraft during a live broadcast. Parmitano expects Italian cuisine to feature in Artemis III, noting that "Italian food is a treasure of UNESCO" and that "everybody wants some Italian food."
A Seasoned Astronaut
Parmitano, a former Italian Air Force colonel, was selected as an astronaut by the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2009. He has completed two missions aboard the International Space Station, where he performed complex spacewalks, including a near-fatal incident when his helmet filled with water due to a cooling system failure.
Leadership and Humility
As the lead pilot for Artemis III, Parmitano will share responsibilities with commander Randy Bresnik. "We are both test pilots, and the spacecraft needs a crew of two to fly it, so we share the responsibilities," Parmitano said. He expressed honor and humility at being chosen for the role, emphasizing the complexity of the mission. Parmitano wears a uniform adorned with the Italian flag and the ESA patch, highlighting the strong partnership between NASA and ESA. "When NASA chooses a European astronaut to be a pilot, it sends a strong message that our leadership is understood, our cooperation is valued, and our technical expertise is solid," he added.
Diverse Crew
The Artemis III crew also includes African American astronaut Andre Douglas and US astronaut of Salvadoran descent Frank Rubio. Parmitano has known commander Bresnik for his entire career, while Douglas will be making his first space flight. Parmitano noted that the crew bonded immediately upon learning of their assignment. He welcomes the diversity in ages and backgrounds, stating that it "enriches the crew in general."
