Italian colonel, pilot, and astronaut who flew on three Space Shuttle missions and spent 35 days in space, known for being the first Italian to walk in space.
Roberto Vittori is a name synonymous with bravery, skill, and a passion for space exploration. As a seasoned Italian Air Force officer and a renowned ESA astronaut, Vittori has left an indelible mark on the world of space travel, participating in three historic spaceflights, including the Soyuz TM34 and Soyuz TMA6 taxi flights to the International Space Station (ISS), as well as STS-134, the penultimate mission of the American Space Shuttle Program in 2011.
Born on October 15, 1964, in Viterbo, Italy, Vittori's fascination with aviation began at a young age. He graduated from the Italian Accademia Aeronautica in 1989, earning his wings as a fighter pilot. His thirst for knowledge and skills led him to the United States, where he trained as a test pilot at the prestigious U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, Maryland.
In 1998, Vittori was selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to join the European Astronaut Corps, marking the beginning of an illustrious career in space exploration. After reporting to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, he underwent rigorous training and evaluation, eventually serving in various technical assignments within the NASA Astronaut Office.
On April 25, 2002, Vittori embarked on the Soyuz TM34 taxi flight to the ISS, under an agreement between the Russian Rosaviakosmos, the Italian Space Agency ASI, and the ESA. During his stay aboard ISS, he worked alongside the resident crew, overseeing four European scientific experiments. The mission successfully delivered a Russian Soyuz spacecraft to the ISS, paving the way for future collaborative endeavors.
In 2011, Vittori became the last non-American to fly aboard the Space Shuttle, participating in the STS-134 mission, the penultimate flight of the American Space Shuttle Program. This historic mission marked a significant milestone in the realm of space exploration, as Vittori and his crewmates delivered the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) to the ISS, a cutting-edge instrument designed to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.
Vittori's remarkable achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, the NASA Space Flight Medal, and the Russian Federation Medal for Merit in Space Exploration.
Besides his groundbreaking accomplishments in space, Vittori is a devoted husband and father of two. He has logged over 1,700 hours in more than 40 different aircraft, solidifying his reputation as an exceptional pilot and astronaut.
Roberto Vittori's remarkable journey has inspired countless individuals around the world, leaving an indelible mark on the space community. As a trailblazer in the realm of space exploration, his contributions have paved the way for future generations of astronauts, scientists, and engineers. Vittori's bravery, skill, and dedication have cemented his place as one of the most accomplished astronauts of our time.
As we gaze up at the stars, we are reminded of the boundless potential of human achievement, inspired by the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Roberto Vittori, a true champion of space exploration.
49 Years Old
Italian astronaut who spent 199 days in space, setting the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, and is also a European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut and Italian Air Force pilot.
71 Years Old
An Italian astrophysicist, astronaut, and politician who flew on two Space Shuttle missions and later served in the European Parliament, known for his contributions to space exploration and science policy.
92 Years Old
The first human to journey into outer space, paving the way for space exploration and inspiring generations to reach for the stars. A hero and a pioneer in the field of cosmonautics.
