The Sicilian Astronaut Luca Parmitano receives an Honorary Degree in Messina

In an exciting ceremony at the Aula Magna del Dipartimento di Ingegneria (Polo Papardo) of the University of Messina, Luca Parmitano, the Sicilian astronaut of the European Space Agency (ESA), was awarded an honorary master’s degree in Maritime and Air Transport Sciences and Logistics. This prestigious award celebrates Parmitano’s outstanding aerospace skills and his tireless commitment to promoting science and research beyond national borders.

Luca Parmitano is a name familiar to many space exploration enthusiasts and has conquered the heart of the whole world with his extraordinary feats in space. His career was characterized by courage, dedication and a fervent passion for scientific knowledge. In her lecture entitled "Human Space Transportation and Logistics: present and future", the ESA astronaut gave an overview of the results achieved in space exploration, stressing also the challenges that humanity still has to face in view of the next lunar and Martian exploration.

A pride for the whole of Sicily, Luca Parmitano is originally from Paternò, and was the first Italian to have served as commander of the International Space Station (ISS) during the "Expedition 61". In the reasons that led to the granting of the honorary degree, we read: "Luca Parmitano receives this award for his aerospace skills and for having dedicated his activity to the study and scientific experimentation beyond national borders, exploring the extra-atmospheric space and its fascinating reality."

Parmitano’s career in space has not been limited to performing standard tasks; he has consistently demonstrated a great passion for technological innovation and scientific progress. It has also raised the awareness of new generations on critical issues of climate change and sustainable development, demonstrating how space exploration can be used as a means to better understand our planet and to address global challenges.

During the award ceremony, Parmitano addressed the young people: "In general I always tell young people to be curious, to remain curious, because curiosity is the first search engine."