A few weeks after the departure of the Artemis II mission we met the Italian ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano. Among the topics are the near future of space missions and what space has taught him.
There is little time left until the opening of the first launch window (scheduled for 3:06 Italian time on 6 February 2026 and lasting 32 minutes) of the Artemis II mission which will take humans back to the Moon, but (again this time) without going down: for the occasion Gianluca Ranzini, journalist Evidence Network and space expert met the Italian ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano. In the setting of the Mars Base space at the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology in Milan, the astronaut presented the book “Walking among the stars”written together with the science communicator and journalist Emilio Cozzi.
On this occasion Parmitano has answers to questions about Artemis II, underlining that it will be a fundamental test mission. An important opportunity to check the correct functioning of the navigation and life support systems, the computers and the engine.
«The date? It’s a secondary aspect.”
Regarding the next mission, Artemis III, which should bring human beings to the surface of our satellite after more than 50 years and whose date is still uncertain (we are talking about the second half of 2027), Parmitano underlines that what should interest us most of all is the general architecture of the program: «As far as I’m concerned, the date of the moon landing is secondary. The priority will be to guarantee maximum safety in all phases and take steps forward especially in this sense.”
The Italian astronaut also reveals some behind the scenes of his two missions on the International Space Station, in 2013 and 2019, for a total of 367 days. «My way of relating to colleagues in orbit changed when I was hungry. This is why my flight companions always had some snacks in their pockets to offer me when lunch or dinner was delayed for reasons related to experiments or other things to do on board.”
Between episodes of life in space and hopes for the future, Parmitano confides that he feels very lucky: «I am lucky because my generation has been indicated as the one that will take part in the first Artemis missions to the Moon as soon as the European astronauts also fly».
The importance of the first step
A look at the future that the ESA astronaut wishes to turn together with the many young people looking for their own place in the world. «With the book “Walking among the stars”, together with Emilio Cozzi, we wanted to provide them with a map, to make them curious about science and light the spark that will make them start a journey.
Then everyone is free to decide whether to use that map, to choose another, or to leave without a map. The important thing is to take the first step.”
Emilio Cozzi, popularizer and expert on space businesstalks about the harmony with Luca Parmitano and how the story of “Walking among the stars” was born. The common passion for science fiction and the stars led them to work together on life in space and childhood dreams, which can become life goals.
Fiorenzo Galli, director of the National Science and Technology Museum of Milan, explains how in the area dedicated to the museum space there are interesting pieces also linked to Luca Parmitano. «The original suit he wore during the Beyond expedition is right here in our area dedicated to Space», says Galli, anticipating important changes that will enrich the museum in the near future.
«The reality we live in is constantly evolving, sometimes you have to be a bit of a magician to anticipate it, we are working on new themes and exhibitions with the sole aim of making what is happening in the fundamental sectors understandable to visitors, at every stage of our era. And Space is undoubtedly one of these.”
