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.
Cristoforetti, a hugely popular figure nicknamed AstroSam, said
"a big thank you to Italy and all the Italia men and women who
have always supported me and followed me on this mission with
affection.
"It is an honour and a privilege to represent Italy here in
space. If I am here today it is thanks to the great commitment
which our country has achieved and still achieves in the space
field".
DRessed in a blue t-shirt and grey trousers, her hair longer
than usual, Cristoforetti thanked Artemyev for his command and
generosity.
"I wish you a happy return to Earth in the next few hours," she
said to the ex-commander and his two crew mates, Denis Matveev e
Sergey Korsakov, who are expected to touch down in a Soyuz at
nine a.m. Italian time Thursday.
"It's a pleasure and an honour to stay with you and to continue
to work with you," she told her colleagues on Crew 4, who came
to the ISS with her.
The past and present crew saluted her as "commander" before a
round of applause and the traditional sound of the bell that
concluded the ceremony.
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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