Paolo Nespoli, Italian soldier, engineer, and astronaut

Major Paolo Angelo Nespoli, born on April 6, 1957, stands as a distinguished Italian astronaut and engineer whose remarkable career has profoundly contributed to European space exploration. A veteran of three spaceflights, Nespoli served with distinction as a key member of the European Space Agency (ESA), embodying Italy's commitment to international space endeavors and pushing the boundaries of human presence in orbit.

A Stellar Career Forged in Space

Nespoli's journey to the stars was built upon a solid foundation in engineering, a critical background for the complex and demanding challenges of spaceflight. His rigorous selection by the European Space Agency paved the way for an extraordinary career that saw him spend a significant amount of time orbiting Earth, conducting vital scientific research, and actively participating in the assembly and maintenance of the International Space Station (ISS).

First Foray: STS-120 on Space Shuttle Discovery (2007)

His inaugural trip into space occurred in October 2007, aboard the iconic U.S. Space Shuttle Discovery. As a mission specialist for STS-120, Nespoli played a crucial role in a mission primarily dedicated to the ongoing assembly of the International Space Station. This particular flight was pivotal as it involved the delivery and installation of the Harmony (Node 2) module, a vital connecting element for future international laboratories. During this demanding mission, Nespoli's tasks included intricate robotic arm operations and critical support for spacewalks, all of which contributed significantly to the station's expansion and functionality.

Long-Duration Mission: Soyuz TMA-20 and Expeditions 26/27 (2010-2011)

Just three years later, in December 2010, Nespoli embarked on his second mission, this time venturing into orbit aboard a Russian Soyuz TMA-20 spacecraft. This marked a significant transition in spacecraft and dramatically extended his stay in space, as he served as a flight engineer for both Expedition 26 and Expedition 27 on the International Space Station. During this extended period, which stretched into May 2011, Nespoli was deeply involved in a diverse range of scientific experiments across various disciplines, including human physiology, biology, and material science, while also performing routine maintenance and operational tasks crucial for the outpost's continuous functionality and safety.

Third and Final Flight: Soyuz MS-05 and Expeditions 52/53 (2017)

Nespoli's third and final spaceflight commenced in July 2017 with the launch of Soyuz MS-05. Once again serving as a flight engineer for the long-duration Expeditions 52 and 53, he returned to the International Space Station to continue his invaluable work in orbit. This mission further solidified his legacy in space exploration, as he contributed to a wide array of international scientific investigations, demonstrating remarkable resilience and dedication to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding. His presence on the ISS during this period also provided a visible European face to the profound international collaboration that underpins modern space exploration.

A Lifelong Pursuit of the Stars and Retirement

Prior to his retirement from active service in 2019, Paolo Nespoli held the remarkable distinction of being the European Space Agency's oldest active astronaut. His distinguished career is a powerful testament to perseverance, international cooperation, and the enduring human spirit of exploration that drives us to look beyond our planet. Nespoli's profound contributions have not only advanced scientific understanding across multiple fields but have also inspired countless individuals, particularly in his native Italy and across Europe, to look skyward and dream of what lies beyond Earth's atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Paolo Nespoli?
Paolo Angelo Nespoli is a highly respected Italian astronaut and engineer, renowned for his significant career with the European Space Agency (ESA) and his three missions to the International Space Station.
How many times did Paolo Nespoli travel to space?
Paolo Nespoli traveled to space three distinct times during his career with ESA.
What was his role on his first spaceflight (STS-120)?
On his inaugural mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-120) in 2007, Paolo Nespoli served as a mission specialist, playing a key role in the assembly of the International Space Station.
Which spacecraft did he use for his second and third missions?
For both his second (Expeditions 26/27 in 2010-2011) and third (Expeditions 52/53 in 2017) missions, Paolo Nespoli flew aboard Russian Soyuz spacecraft, specifically Soyuz TMA-20 and Soyuz MS-05, respectively.
When did Paolo Nespoli retire from ESA?
Paolo Nespoli retired from active service as an astronaut with the European Space Agency in 2019.
What distinction did Paolo Nespoli hold prior to his retirement?
Prior to his retirement in 2019, Paolo Nespoli was recognized as the European Space Agency's oldest active astronaut, a testament to his enduring commitment and long service to space exploration.