The Italian Space Agency (ASI) has confirmed that the Italian astronaut of the European Space Agency (ESA), Samantha Cristoforetti, will participate in a new mission in the earth's orbit. The decision was taken at the ESA Ministerial Council held this week in Seville, Spain. Cristoforetti will be able to return to orbit following the agreements reached with ESA and Italy's commitment in the area of space exploration projects.

Samantha Cristoforetti had led a mission to the International Space Station between 2014 and 2015, remaining in orbit for 199 days: it is the first and today the only Italian astronaut. Currently on board the ISS is his colleague, Luca Parmitano.