Born: 1977 (Milan, Italy)
Biography:
Samantha Cristoforetti, OMRI (Italian pronunciation: [samanta kristoforetti]; born in Milan on 26 April 1977) is an Italian European Space Agency astronaut, former Italian Air Force pilot, and engineer. She holds the record for the longest uninterrupted spaceflight by a European astronaut (199 days, 16 hours). Samantha also held the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman until it was broken by Peggy Whitson in June 2017, and later by Christina Koch. She is not only an accomplished astronaut but also the first Italian woman in space. Her achievements have made a significant impact on society, inspiring many to pursue careers in STEM fields and opening doors for women in the space industry.
Samantha Cristoforetti was born in Milan in 1977 and spent her childhood in Malè, in Val di Sole, Trentino, Italy. During her teenage years, she participated in an AFS exchange program to the US and attended Space Camp. This experience sparked her passion for space exploration and set her on the path to becoming an astronaut.
Cristoforetti’s educational journey began in Bolzano and Trento, Italy. She later graduated from the Technical University of Munich with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Samantha furthered her studies at the École Nationale Supérieure de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace in Toulouse, France, and at the Mendeleev Russian University of Chemistry and Technology in Moscow. She also obtained a degree in Aeronautics Sciences from the Accademia Aeronautica in Pozzuoli, becoming one of the first women to be a lieutenant and fighter pilot in the Italian Air Force.
As an accomplished pilot, Samantha Cristoforetti completed the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot training, accumulating over 500 hours of flight time. She has flown six types of military aircraft, including SF-260, T-37, T-38, MB-339A, MB-339CD, and AM-X. Her extensive training and experience prepared her for the challenges and demands of space travel.
In 2009, Samantha was officially selected as an astronaut by the European Space Agency (ESA) from a pool of 8,000 applicants. Her selection marked a significant milestone for women in space exploration and further solidified her place in history.
Samantha Cristoforetti’s most notable mission was Expedition 42/43, during which she set the record for the longest single mission for a woman. On 23 November 2014, she launched aboard the Soyuz TMA-15M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) roughly six hours later. Throughout her 199-day stay in space, Cristoforetti conducted numerous scientific experiments and contributed to advancements in space research. Her commitment to the mission and dedication to scientific exploration demonstrated her unwavering passion for space travel and her significant contributions to the field.
Beyond her scientific achievements, Samantha Cristoforetti’s influence extends to society as a whole. As a trailblazing Italian astronaut, she has inspired countless individuals, especially young girls, to pursue careers in STEM fields and to dream big. Her accomplishments have shattered glass ceilings and opened doors for women in the space industry, leaving a lasting impact on women’s history.
In recognition of her contributions and groundbreaking achievements, Samantha Cristoforetti has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career.
Awards:
– Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (OMRI)