From the Air Force to Virgin Galactic, this is who Villadei is, the astronaut in pole position in a new private mission in space

A new space mission is being prepared for an Italian astronaut, probably Walter Villadei with the company Axiom Space. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said this in Rome while opening the work of the States General of the Space Economy on Monday 2 November at the Farnesina. The mission, called Axiom 5, will be discussed at the next meeting of the Interministerial Committee for policies relating to space and aerospace research (Comint).

Pilot colonel of the Italian Air Force

Villadei is one of the protagonists of the new generation of Italian astronauts, specialized in aerospace engineering and space activities. His path unites the fields of military aeronautics, space exploration, and scientific and technological research. Born in Rome on 29 April 1974, he is a colonel pilot of the Italian Air Force. He graduated from the Pozzuoli Air Force Academy. He graduated as the first aerospace engineer of the Italian Air Force at the University of Naples “Federico II”. He participated in the suborbital flight “Galactic 01” of Virgin Galactic, the company created by tycoon Richard Branson to offer suborbital space flights for the commercial market. This was the company's first commercial space flight. Following an agreement between Axiom Space and the Italian Ministry of Technological Innovation and Digital Transition, Villadei was designated as a reserve crew member for the Axiom 2 mission. Subsequently, he was assigned as pilot for the Axiom 3 mission, launched on January 18, 2024. During the Axiom-3 mission, named Voluntas for Italy, he served as pilot of SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft.

He spent 18 days aboard the International Space Station

Villadei spent 21 days and about 16 hours in space; 18 days on board the International Space Station. And he has participated in numerous scientific experiments, including Italian ones, relating to microgravity, human health and space technologies.