Umberto Guidoni facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Umberto Guidoni
OMRI |
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Guidoni in 2001
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| Member of the European Parliament | |
| In office 20 July 2004 – 13 July 2009 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 August 1954 Rome, Italy |
| Political party | Party of Italian Communists (2004-2009) |
| Occupation | Astrophysicist, Science writer |
| Space career | |
| ASI/ESA astronaut | |
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Time in space
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27d 15h 12m |
| Selection | 1996 NASA Group (16) |
| Missions | STS-75, STS-100 |
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Mission insignia
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| Retirement | June 2004 |
Umberto Guidoni was born on August 18, 1954, in Rome, Italy. He is an Italian astrophysicist and a science writer. He is also a former ESA astronaut. He made history as the first European to visit the International Space Station (ISS).
Guidoni flew on two NASA Space Shuttle missions. After his time as an astronaut, he became a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 2004 to 2009.
Contents
Becoming an Astronaut
Early Studies and Space Agency Work
Umberto Guidoni studied astrophysics at the University of Rome La Sapienza. He earned his doctorate in 1978. After his studies, he worked for the Italian Space Agency (ASI). He also worked for the European Space Agency (ESA).
One of his early projects was the Tethered Satellite System. This system was designed to study how a satellite could be kept attached to a spacecraft by a long cable. It was part of a mission called STS-46. Guidoni trained as a backup specialist for this mission.
First Space Mission: STS-75
Guidoni's first trip to space was aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. This mission, called STS-75, took place in 1996. During this flight, the Tethered Satellite System was flown for a second time.
Visiting the International Space Station
In 2001, Guidoni went on his second space mission, STS-100. This time, he flew on the Space Shuttle Endeavour. On this mission, he became the first European to visit the International Space Station (ISS).
During the STS-100 mission, the Space Shuttle carried important equipment to the ISS. This included the Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module. This module was used to carry supplies to the station. The mission also delivered the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). This is a robotic arm, often called the Canadian robotic arm. It is used a lot to help build and maintain the ISS.
After Spaceflights
Working with ESA
After his space missions, Umberto Guidoni continued to work with ESA. In September 2001, he joined the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC). His job was to help prepare the scientific equipment for the Columbus Laboratory. The Columbus module is Europe's main contribution to the scientific research done on the International Space Station.
Guidoni stopped being an active astronaut in June 2004.
Serving in the European Parliament
In June 2004, Umberto Guidoni was elected to the European Parliament. He represented the Group of the European United Left. In Parliament, he worked on committees related to money, industry, research, and energy. He also worked on a temporary committee about climate change.
He helped create the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) for Research and Innovation. This program supported scientific research. Guidoni also worked to protect the freedom of the press. He left his political party in 2009.
Sharing Science with Everyone
Umberto Guidoni loves to share his knowledge about space. In 2007, he hosted a radio show called "From the Sputnik to the Shuttle." This show talked about the history of space exploration. In 2009, he hosted another show about the exciting Apollo missions to the Moon.
Based on his radio shows, he published a book in 2011 called "From the Earth to the Moon." Guidoni is very active in making science popular. He organizes events about space. He has also written many articles and books. Some of his books are for children, like "Martino on Mars," "Astrolibro," "Voglio la LUNA," and "Guida per Giovani Astronauti."
Awards and Recognition
Umberto Guidoni has received several important awards for his work:
On April 15, 1996, he was made a Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. This award was given by the President of Italy, Oscar Luigi Scalfaro.
On May 11, 2001, he was promoted to Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. This was given by President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi.
For his first spaceflight (STS-75) in 1996, Guidoni received the NASA Space Flight Medal.- He received a second NASA Space Flight Medal after his second spaceflight (STS-100) in 2001.
In 2002, Guidoni received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for his great achievements in space.
An asteroid was also named after him! The asteroid 10605 Guidoni was discovered in 1996.
