ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti becomes first European female ISS commander

ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti will quickly fulfill the position of commander of the Worldwide Area Station, taking up from fellow Expedition 67 crew member Oleg Artemyev.

Since starting her Minerva mission in April 2022, Samantha has served as lead of america Orbital Phase (USOS), overseeing actions within the U.S., European, Japanese and Canadian modules and elements of the station.

Upon taking her new position, she is going to develop into the fifth European commander of the Area Station, following within the footsteps of earlier ESA astronauts Frank De Winne, Alexander Gerst, Luca Parmitano and Thomas Pesquet. She may even develop into the primary European feminine to occupy the place.

“I’m humbled by my appointment to the place of commander,” says Samantha “and look ahead to drawing on the expertise I’ve gained in space and on Earth to steer a really succesful crew in orbit.”

ESA’s Director Common Josef Aschbacher shares Samantha’s outlook. “Samantha’s choice for commandership clearly demonstrates the religion and worth our worldwide companions place in ESA astronauts. All through her Minerva mission she has contributed drastically to the scientific and operational successes of the Station, and I anticipate that it’s going to proceed to thrive below her command.”

Samantha will formally develop into commander following a standard handover ceremony which facilities across the symbolic passing of a key from the earlier commander. The ceremony itself will happen on Wednesday 28 September 2022, and shall be broadcast dwell from the Worldwide Area Station on ESA Internet TV.

David Parker, ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration, shared his view that “Samantha’s wealth of data and expertise makes her a superb candidate for this position. As the primary European lady to satisfy the place of commander, she as soon as once more pushes ahead boundaries for feminine illustration within the space sector.”

The total title of this position is Worldwide Area Station crew commander. Commanderships are awarded primarily based on joint choices taken by NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada). ESA is represented on this selection process by Head of the European Astronaut Middle and ISS Program Supervisor, Frank De Winne.

“I am happy that scheduling has modified in such a method that Samantha is as soon as once more on account of occupy to place of commander,” says Frank. “She retains our full endorsement to satisfy this necessary management position. There is no such thing as a doubt that her management will guarantee continued mission success.”

This place is important to the continued success of the Area Station. Whereas flight administrators within the management facilities preside over planning and execution of Station operations, the Station’s commander is liable for the efficiency and well-being of the crew on orbit, sustaining efficient communication with the groups on Earth, and coordinating the crew response in case of emergencies. Since Samantha takes command within the closing weeks of her keep on-board, one among her main duties shall be to make sure a easy and complete handover to the subsequent expedition crew.