Samantha Cristoforetti

Samantha Cristoforetti (born 26 April 1977) is an Italian engineer, aviator, captain in the Italian air force, and astronaut for the European Space Agency (ESA). In 2015, she was awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. In July 2022, Cristoforetti completed her first spacewalk, which lasted about 7 hours. She has logged more than 500 hours as a jet pilot and more than 365 days in space. In addition to her native Italian, Cristoforetti can speak English, German, French, Russian, and Chinese.

Samantha Cristoforetti in 2013

Quotes

• Come abitante temporanea di un avamposto umano nello spazio, condividerò la prospettiva orbitale e condurrò virtualmente nello spazio tutti quelli che vorranno prendere parte a questo viaggio.
  translation: As a temporary inhabitant of a human outpost in space, I will share the orbital perspective and virtually lead into space all those who want to take part in this journey.
  • Nello spazio con Samantha Cristoforetti (In space with Samantha Cristoforetti)’’, Noordwijk, Agenzia Spaziale Europea (European Space Agency), 2014, p. 5.

• Decidere di fare l'astronauta non è come decidere di fare l'avvocato o l'architetto. Si devono verificare una serie di condizioni e ci vuole anche una buona dose di fortuna.
  translation: Deciding to be an astronaut is not like deciding to be a lawyer or an architect. A series of conditions must be met and a good dose of luck is also needed.
  • Martina Pennisi, Esplora il significato del termine: Samantha Cristoforetti: «Nello spazio organizzati come in campeggio» (Explore the meaning of the term: Samantha Cristoforetti: «In space, organize yourself like in a campsite»)’’, corriere.it, 11 aprile 2014.

• La Stazione spaziale è un esempio davvero luminoso di come le differenze internazionali passino assolutamente in secondo piano quando si ha un obiettivo grande, una passione comune.
  translation: The Space Station is a truly shining example of how international differences are completely secondary when you have a big goal, a common passion.
  • as quoted by Davide Patitucci, Mattarella in diretta dall’Esa saluta AstroSamantha: “Esempio per tutte le donne” (Mattarella live from ESA greets AstroSamantha: “An example for all women”)’’, Il Fatto Quotidiano.it, 30 marzo (March) 2015.

• ... I believe that space exploration is part of building the future ...
  • Astronaut Cristoforetti Expo ambassador. ANSA.it Expo 2015 (6 May 2015). (See Expo 2015.)

• I would like to show you one of my favourite meals up here, which is a chicken turmeric with champignon mushrooms, brown rice, and peas. And I would like to try and put the ingredients together for you. See how it works in space.
  • (June 4, 2015)"Cooking in space: whole red rice and turmeric". European Space Ageny (ESA), YouTube. (quote at 0:14 of 3:51)

External links

• Encyclopedic article on Samantha Cristoforetti on Wikipedia
• Media related to Samantha Cristoforetti on Wikimedia Commons
• ESA Samantha Cristoforetti website
• 663 Samantha Cristoforetti Photos & High Res Pictures. Getty Images.