Roberto VITTORI

Italian Embassy • Former ESA Astronaut & Space Attaché

Born on October 15, 1964, in Viterbo, Italy, Roberto Vittori has established a distinguished career in both aviation and space exploration.

He graduated from the Italian Air Force Academy in 1989 with a degree in Aeronautical Science. His training continued with the US Air Force at Reese Air Force Base in Texas in 1990 and the US Navy Test Pilot School in 1995. Furthering his expertise, he completed accident prevention and investigation courses in the US and Italy between 1996 and 1997 and earned a master’s degree in physics in 2007.

Following pilot training in 1990, he flew Tornado GR1 aircraft with the 155th Squadron in Italy, gaining qualification in air-to-air refueling and formation leadership. His skills were further honed at the Italian Test Centre as he contributed to the development of the EuroFighter EF2000. His career then transitioned to space exploration in 1998, when he was selected as an astronaut by Italy's ASI space agency in cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA).

He participated in three space missions. The first, a taxi flight to the International Space Station (ISS) in April 2002, delivered a new Soyuz spacecraft to the Station. His second mission, in April 2005, involved piloting and docking the Soyuz spacecraft and conducting experiments on the ISS. His final mission, aboard Space Shuttle STS-134 in 2011, was crucial for installing the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) on the ISS, marking the final flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Throughout his career, he has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Italian Air Force Long Service Medal and the title of ‘Commendatore della Repubblica,’ awarded by the President of the Italian Republic. His contributions to both aviation and space exploration have cemented his reputation as a key figure in the aerospace community.

Events

International Astronautical Congress 2024

14-18 October 2024

Milan, Italy

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2019

21-25 October 2019

Washington, United States

Participation: