On 21 June 2023, Italian European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, Ms Samantha Cristoforetti, visited the NATO Defense College to deliver a Lecture of Opportunity to Senior Course 142.
During her lecture, Ms Cristoforetti spoke of her career and personal experiences, with a particular focus on the space missions she has been a part of. She explained the work conducted on the International Space Station, underscoring the relevance of peaceful space exploration for scientific progress, technology and research. She talked about upcoming endeavours in space exploration, such as the Artemis 2 Crew; Artemis 1 Launch SLS Rocket; and Orion with the European Service Module. The lecture was followed by a thorough Q&A session. Before her departure, Ms Cristoforetti kindly participated in an interview for the next edition of Vox Collegii, the NDC magazine.
Ms Samantha Cristoforetti is a former Italian Air Force Pilot and was appointed to the ESA as an astronaut in 2009. From 2014 to 2015, she conducted her first space mission to the International Space Station, named “Futura”, where she spent 200 days in space. In 2022, she became the first European female Commander of the International Space Station during her second space mission, named “Minerva”, during which she spent 170 days in space as a mission specialist for Expeditions 67 and 68.
The European Space Agency is dedicated to the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of humankind. It has twenty-two member states that work together to achieve progress in science and technology, and to promote economic growth in Europe.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Sofia Carvalheiro, PRT C)
NATO Defense College