President Meloni receives ESA astronaut Parmitano

The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, received ESA astronaut Colonel Luca Parmitano at Palazzo Chigi today. Colonel Parmitano has been appointed by NASA to pilot its Artemis III mission, set to launch in 2027 with the goal of paving the way for humankind's return to the Moon.

During the meeting, President Meloni renewed her congratulations to the Italian Air Force Colonel on the prestigious appointment, which brings honour to the entire nation and once again confirms Italy's excellence in the space sector.

At the end of the meeting, President Meloni also presented the astronaut with an official colour specimen of the national flag of the Italian Republic, kept at Palazzo Chigi, which will accompany the Artemis III mission into space as a symbol of Italian ingenuity, identity and pride.