Samantha CRISTOFORETTI

Born on April 26, 1977, in Milan, Italy, Samantha Cristoforetti developed a passion for science and technology, alongside a strong interest in the humanities.

She completed her secondary education at Liceo Scientifico in Trento, Italy, in 1996, which included a year as an exchange student in the U.S. In 2001, she earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Munich, specializing in aerospace propulsion and lightweight structures. Her studies also included work on aerodynamics in France and research on rocket propellants in Russia. Additionally, she holds a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical sciences from the University of Naples Federico II, completed during her training at the Italian Air Force Academy.

In 2001, she joined the Italian Air Force, where she eventually earned her fighter pilot wings in 2006. She was then assigned to fly the AM-X ground attack fighter with the 51st Bomber Wing in Italy.

Her career took a significant turn in 2009 when she was selected as an astronaut by the European Space Agency (ESA). After completing basic astronaut training in 2010, she took on various technical roles, including leading the Spaceship EAC initiative for lunar missions and contributing to the Gateway project for lunar exploration. In 2017, she participated in the first joint training exercise between Chinese and non-Chinese astronauts.

Her spaceflight career began with her assignment as a flight engineer on Soyuz TMA-15M for Expedition 42/43. Launched on November 23, 2014, she spent 200 days in space. She returned for her second mission, Minerva, on April 27, 2022, aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. During this mission, she served as the USOS Lead, overseeing activities within the U.S. Orbital Segment of the ISS, and conducted her first spacewalk, becoming the first European woman to do so. She also became the first European female commander of the ISS, returning to Earth on October 14, 2022.

She has received several honors, including the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. She is a UNICEF ambassador and author of Diary of an Apprentice Astronaut, with proceeds donated to UNICEF.

Events

International Astronautical Congress 2024

14-18 October 2024

Milan, Italy

Participation: