From Italian fighter pilot to the orbital laboratory of the ISS

Space · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before commanding missions in orbit, Luca Parmitano mastered the complexities of electronic warfare and experimental flight testing. Now, as an ESA astronaut, he provides a rare window into the daily realities of life and scientific research aboard the International Space Station.

Luca Parmitano’s journey to the International Space Station (ISS) is rooted in a distinguished career within the Italian Air Force. After graduating from the Academy in Pozzuoli in 2000, Parmitano underwent rigorous training, including basic flight training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, in 2001. His expertise expanded significantly through specialized roles, such as qualifying as an Electronic Warfare Officer in 2003 and training as an Experimental Test Pilot at the French school EPNER. By the time he reached the rank of Colonel, he had logged over 2,000 flying hours and was qualified on more than 20 types of military aircraft and helicopters.

Selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) in May 2009, Parmitano has become a vital figure in international space exploration. His experience includes serving as the lead EVA communicator during Thomas Pesquet’s Proxima mission spacewalk in January 2017. His orbital record includes the Volare mission, where he spent 166 days in space, managed the docking of four spacecraft, and conducted more than 20 experiments.

Currently serving as a Flight Engineer for Expedition 37, Parmitano provides updates on the ongoing research and operational life aboard the orbital laboratory. His mission, which began in late May, is nearing its conclusion, with a scheduled return to Earth in mid-November. Beyond his technical achievements, Parmitano’s background in political science and international law complements his role as a liaison between the ESA and NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• Preparing for the Beyond mission at Star City
• Luca Parmitano: From International Space Station Commander to Artemis III Lunar Pilot
• Six months in orbit: Luca Parmitano reflects on his scientific mission aboard the station
• Life at 17,500 miles per hour with Luca Parmitano
• What is life like inside the orbital laboratory of the International Space Station?
• The final roll: Preparing a Soyuz for its journey to orbit
• Inside the final countdown before the IRIS mission launch
• From 248 miles up, a hurricane becomes a visible white mass
• How a public competition named a mission to the stars
• The precise ritual of passing command in Earth's orbit
• Testing the future of complex space exploration
• The first active Army officer to command the International Space Station

More in Space agencies · More in Space · Latest · A–Z · All topics