Amalia Ercoli Finzi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Amalia Ercoli Finzi
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Ercoli in late 2023
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Amalia Ercoli
20 April 1937 Gallarate, Italy
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| Alma mater | Polytechnic University of Milan |
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| Known for | Philae |
| Spouse(s) | Filiberto Finzi |
| Relatives | Bruno Finzi (father-in-law) |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Polytechnic University of Milan |
Amalia Ercoli Finzi (born April 20, 1937) is a famous Italian engineer and professor. She is best known for her important work on the Philae spacecraft. She was the main scientist in charge of the SD2 drill, which was a special tool on Philae.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Amalia Ercoli Finzi was born in Gallarate, Italy. In 1962, she made history by becoming the first Italian woman to earn a degree in aeronautical engineering. She graduated from the Polytechnic University of Milan with top honors, scoring 100 out of 100!
A Career in Space Exploration
Professor Ercoli Finzi has taught at the Polytechnic University of Milan for more than 50 years. She became a full professor in 1994. She taught about how things move in space, a subject called Orbital Mechanics. She also led the Department of Aerospace Engineering.
Helping Space Agencies
Amalia Ercoli Finzi has worked as a science advisor for big space organizations. These include NASA in the United States, the ASI, and the ESA. She is also an honorary lecturer at the Politecnico university in Milan.
The Philae Spacecraft and Comet Mission
Professor Ercoli Finzi was involved in several missions with NASA and the Italian Space Agency. One of her most important roles was with the Philae spacecraft. Philae was part of the Rosetta mission, which studied a comet.
She was responsible for the SD2 instrument on Philae. This special drill was designed to dig into the surface of 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko, a comet. The drill collected samples and brought them back for scientists to study. This helped us learn more about comets and the early solar system.
Family Life
Amalia Ercoli Finzi is married to Filiberto Finzi. They have five children together. Filiberto's father was Bruno Finzi, a well-known Italian mathematician.
Awards and Special Recognition
Amalia Ercoli Finzi has received many awards for her amazing work.
- In 2012, she won the Franck J. Malina Astronautics Medal. This award is given by the International Astronautical Federation.
- She also received the Leonardo Award for Lifetime Achievement. This award recognized her contributions to space exploration and education.
- Professor Ercoli Finzi is a strong supporter of women in science. She often speaks out against unfair ideas about women in scientific fields.
- In 2017, she won the Premio Porto Venere Donna award. This award celebrates influential women in Italy.
In 2018, an asteroid was named after her! It is now called 24890 Amaliafinzi.
In January 2022, a working model of the latest Mars rover was named after her by the European Space Agency. This model, located in Turin, Italy, helps engineers test out all the rover's moves before they happen on Mars.
See also
In Spanish: Amalia Ercoli-Finzi para niños
