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Maurizio CheliItalian pilot, ESA astronaut, 2nd Italian astronaut
Date of Birth: 04.05.1959
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Maurizio Cheli: Italian Air Force Pilot and ESA Astronaut
- Military Career
- Test Pilot and Research Fellow
- European Space Agency Selection
- Spaceflight
- Post-ESA Career
- Personal Life and Legacy
Maurizio Cheli: Italian Air Force Pilot and ESA Astronaut
Early Life and EducationMaurizio Cheli was born in Bologna, Italy, and his passion for aviation emerged at a young age. In 1978, he graduated from Liceo M. Minghetti in Bologna and subsequently joined the Italian Air Force Academy in Pozzuoli.
Military Career
Cheli completed his military training at the Italian Air Force Academy in 1982 and received flight training at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma and Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. He was assigned to the 28th Air Corps of the Italian Air Force and completed the military college in 1987.
Test Pilot and Research Fellow
Cheli further pursued his aviation skills by attending the Empire Test Pilots' School in Boscombe Down, UK, where he earned the McKenna Trophy as the top student. From 1989, he served as a test pilot at the Italian Air Force Flight Test Center in Pratica di Mare.
European Space Agency Selection
In 1990-1992, Cheli participated in the selection process for the second European Astronaut Corps (ESA-2). Out of 330 candidates, he was the only Italian selected. He joined the ESA astronaut corps in May 1992.
Spaceflight
Cheli underwent comprehensive spaceflight training at the Johnson Space Center in the United States. As a mission specialist, he flew aboard STS-75 in February-March 1996. His primary responsibilities included conducting experiments in microgravity and material science.
Post-ESA Career
After his spaceflight, Cheli returned to the Italian Air Force in 1996. He later joined Alenia Aeronautica and became chief test pilot for fighter aircraft, including the Eurofighter Typhoon. He logged over 4500 flight hours on more than 50 different aircraft.
Personal Life and Legacy
Maurizio Cheli is married to Marianne Merchez, a Belgian doctor and former ESA astronaut. He enjoys various sports, including soccer, cycling, and tennis. Cheli's contributions to aviation and space exploration have earned him recognition as an esteemed astronaut and aviator.
