Luca Parmitano is one of six individuals who will become Europe's new astronauts. The new astronauts were presented at a press conference held at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France, on 20 May 2009. The new recruits will join the European Astronaut Corps and start their training to prepare for future missions to the International Space Station, and beyond.

Luca Parmitano was born in Paterno, Italy, in 1976. He holds a diploma in aeronautical sciences from the Italian Air Force Academy and was trained as a Full Experimental Test Pilot at EPNER, the French test pilot school in Istres. Capt. Parmitano, a pilot with the Italian Air Force, is an active scuba diver and enjoys climbing and paragliding.