Astronaut Luca Parmitano to pilot NASA's Artemis III mission to the Moon

Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano will serve as pilot for NASA's Artemis III mission, a landmark endeavor set to return humans to the Moon. The announcement by NASA places Parmitano on a crew tasked with a historic lunar landing, anticipated in the second half of 2027.

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I am excited, I am honored, but above all I am grateful to everyone who has allowed me to reach this flight.

The Artemis III mission's objectives have been refined following a program review. Initial plans focused on a lunar landing, but the mission will now test rendezvous and docking technologies in Earth orbit. These tests are crucial for the Orion capsule, which the astronauts will occupy, and for one or two private spacecraft designed for lunar surface operations.

Parmitano shared his profound emotions upon the announcement. "I am excited, I am honored, but above all I am grateful to everyone who has allowed me to reach this flight," he stated. He specifically acknowledged his home country, Italy, for providing his foundational education, the European Space Agency (ESA) for fostering his professional growth, and NASA for the opportunity to join this "incredible crew."

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My launch base was my country, Italy, which gave me the necessary education to reach this mission. The ESA was the launch tower, which allowed me to build relationships and express my full potential. NASA was the rocket, which I thank for allowing me to be part of this incredible crew.

Visibly moved, Parmitano also extended thanks to his family, particularly his daughters, calling them the "energy for my soul." He concluded his remarks with a heartfelt "thank you" in Italian, underscoring his deep connection to his heritage as he embarks on this significant space mission.

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you are the energy for my soul