Luca Parmitano: First European on Artemis Moon Mission – “Hope There’s Italian Food

Astronaut Luca Parmitano, the first European selected for NASA’s Artemis III lunar mission, has confirmed his participation in the delayed 2026 landing, though the exact timeline remains fluid as the agency adjusts crew assignments and technical hurdles. In an interview with O Globo, Parmitano—an Italian Air Force colonel and former International Space Station commander—joked about his preparations, saying, *“I hope there’s Italian food,”* while acknowledging the mission’s logistical challenges, including the recently announced postponement of Artemis III’s moonwalk from 2025 to no earlier than 2026.

The Artemis III delay, announced by NASA in November 2023, stems from technical risks in the SpaceX Starship Human Landing System (HLS) and ongoing spacesuit development, according to agency officials. While Parmitano’s selection as the first European to walk on the moon marks a historic milestone for the European Space Agency (ESA), his role is now tied to a revised schedule that prioritizes safety over original timelines. NASA’s Artemis program manager, Amit Kshatriya, told reporters last month that crew assignments for Artemis III “are still under evaluation,” though Parmitano’s name has been publicly confirmed by ESA and NASA.

Why Is Artemis III Delayed—and What Does It Mean for Parmitano?

The Artemis III mission’s postponement—from a targeted 2025 lunar landing to 2026—directly impacts Parmitano’s training timeline. NASA cited three primary factors in the delay: Starship HLS development, spacesuit readiness, and the need for additional testing of critical systems, including life-support and propulsion. “The Artemis team is working through these challenges methodically,” Kshatriya said in a statement, adding that the revised schedule allows for “more rigorous testing” before crewed flights.

For Parmitano, the delay means an extended period of preparation, including geology training and mission simulations. Unlike previous lunar missions, Artemis III will target the moon’s south pole, where water ice deposits could support future habitats. Parmitano, who previously trained for NASA’s Orion spacecraft and extravehicular activities, will now focus on adapting to the south pole’s unique terrain and operational constraints.

How Does Parmitano’s Role Compare to Other Artemis Crew Members?

Parmitano joins a crew that includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (commander), Victor Glover (pilot), and Christina Koch (moonwalker), all of whom have undergone rigorous training since their selection in April 2023. Unlike Parmitano, who represents ESA, the other crew members are U.S. citizens, reflecting NASA’s international partnership structure under the Artemis Accords. The inclusion of a non-American astronaut underscores ESA’s contribution to the mission, particularly through the provision of the lunar terrain vehicle and communication systems.

While Parmitano’s selection is a diplomatic victory for Europe, his role is not without precedent. In 2022, ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer was assigned to a future Artemis mission, though not Artemis III. Parmitano’s participation, however, marks the first time a European will set foot on the moon, a feat last achieved by Apollo 17 in 1972. “This is a historic moment for Europe and for humanity,” said Josef Aschbacher, ESA’s director general, in a statement. “Luca’s expertise will be invaluable as we prepare for sustainable lunar exploration.”

What Happens Next for Artemis III—and When Will We Know More?

NASA has not set a firm launch date for Artemis III, though internal documents suggest a window between September and November 2026, contingent on Starship HLS completing its uncrewed test flights by late 2025. The agency’s Artemis program remains on track for an uncrewed Artemis II lunar flyby in late 2025, which will serve as a critical precursor to the crewed landing. Parmitano, meanwhile, will continue training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, alongside his crewmates.

Uncertainty persists over whether further delays could push the mission into 2027, particularly if Starship encounters additional setbacks. In a separate development, NASA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) warned in a November 2023 report that Artemis III could face “additional cost and schedule risks” due to ongoing technical challenges. The report highlighted that the HLS program had already incurred $1.9 billion in development costs, with further overruns possible.

For now, Parmitano’s focus remains on preparation. “The moon is not just a destination; it’s a stepping stone,” he told O Globo. “We’re building the foundation for a sustainable human presence there—and that starts with Artemis III.”