Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano said he hopes to find «something Italian on the menu» during the Artemis III mission, NASA’s test flight scheduled for 2027. During his official introduction as pilot of the expedition, the European Space Agency (ESA) member combined humor with emotion when referring to the challenge ahead alongside the rest of the crew.
«If I remember correctly, on Artemis II they also had a very famous Italian chocolate cream. So yes, I hope something Italian appears on the menu,» Parmitano told the press. The astronaut highlighted that his country’s gastronomy is «a UNESCO treasure» and stated that «everyone wants some Italian food.»
At 49 years old and with two daughters, Parmitano was a test pilot for the Italian Air Force before becoming an ESA astronaut in 2009. Throughout his career, he completed two missions on the International Space Station and carried out some of the most complex spacewalks in recent years, including one in which his helmet began to fill with water due to a technical failure that endangered his life.
During the press conference held at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Parmitano explained that he will share piloting duties with mission commander Randy Bresnik. «We are both test pilots and the spacecraft needs a crew of two to operate. We share responsibilities,» he noted.
The astronaut admitted that his designation was unexpected and said he feels «very humble» in the face of the complexity of the work they will have to do: «I feel honored to be part of this incredible group and to be allowed to fly.» «It is a very complex mission,» he stated when referring to the tests the crew will carry out before future attempts to return astronauts to the lunar surface.
According to NASA when introducing the crew, Artemis III is scheduled for 2027 and will aim to conduct a series of critical tests in Earth orbit using two different lunar modules. The mission will allow evaluation of systems, procedures, and operational capabilities that will be fundamental for the next stages of the Artemis program, especially for Artemis IV and future expeditions that will seek to establish a sustained human presence near the Moon.
The primary crew will consist of Parmitano, Bresnik, Andre Douglas, and Frank Rubio. During the presentation, the four highlighted the international character of the team and the importance of cooperation between space agencies.
Parmitano took the opportunity to emphasize Europe’s role within the US space program. The astronaut considered that the choice of a European as pilot constitutes a sign of the level of trust achieved between NASA and ESA. «We are solid partners. We are leading partners,» he stated. He also celebrated the cultural diversity of the crew. According to him, all members arrived at the presentation event wearing the insignias of the institutions and countries they represent. «Differences bring diversity and enrich the crew,» he concluded.
che este luca parmitano otro europeo q se cree astronauta de verdad para mi se van a la luna y lo unico q piensan es en pasta cuando tenemos problemas aca abajo con razon la nasa los usa de relleno ojala no vuelvan mas dejen de gastar plata en boludeces y cuiden su continente primero #DiosPatriaFamilia
Para mí esto es un chiste de mal gusto. Mientras la NASA tira millones en cohetes falopa, acá la gente se caga de hambre. Yo creo que Luca tendría que pedir laburo para los pobres, no pasta. Los yanquis siempre choreando, ¡basta de derrochar en el espacio, usen esa guita pa’ laburar de verdad!