Italian astronaut Samantha
Cristoforetti on Wednesday became the first European woman to
command the International Space Station (ISS).
European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Cristoforetti took the
helm from the previous commander, Russian Oleg Artemyev, taking
a ceremonial brass key from him.
The 45-year-old became Italy's first woman astronaut during her
first mission in 2014/2015.
She is only the fifth European commander of the ISS and the
second Italian after Luca Parmitano in 2019-21.
When the appointment was announced earlier this month,
Cristoforetti said "I am humbled by my appointment to the
position of commander."
The Milan-born astronaut has been on the ISS since beginning her
Minerva mission in April.
"I look forward to drawing on the experience I've gained in
space and on Earth to lead a very capable team in orbit."
said Cristoforetti, who is in space for the second time.
"Congratulations Samantha," said Italian Space Agency (ASI)
President Giorgio Saccoccia on September 14.
"Her appointment is a reason for special pride for Italy and
Europe.
"As the first European woman to hold the position of commander
of the International Space Station, Samantha will once again be
a source of inspiration for young generations".
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