Samantha Christoporetti became the first European woman to command the space station – Corriere.it

L ‘Astronaut Samantha Christoporetti The first European woman to command International Space Station (ISS), Third in the world after two Americans. The announcement was made by the European Space Agency (ESA) On its official website. Christoporetti has been appointed commander of the “Expedition 68” mission, which will take her and NASA colleagues Gazelle Lindgren and Bob Hines to the International Space Station in 2022.

Reactions

“It is an honor to return to the International Space Station representing Europe”, were the first words of the Italian astronaut published by the ESA. “I am proud to have been appointed Commander-in-Chief And I can not wait to take the most talented team into orbit with the experience I have gained in space and on earth. The three astronauts will be flown to the station by SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, owned by billionaire Elon Musk.

ESA Note

“Samantha’s appointment as commander of the International Space Station is an inspiration to an entire generation that is currently applying to join the ESA astronauts,” said Joseph Ashbacher, director general of the European Space Agency. “I look forward to meeting the finalists and I will use this opportunity to encourage women to apply again.” “S.Amanda has proven to be a very capable and reliable leader During NASA’s Nemo 23 mission, ”recalled Frank de Vinne, ESA astronaut and the space station’s first European commander. “Her experience and attitude make her an asset to ESA and our partners, and I know she will serve us proudly while she is in space.”