Maurizio Cheli logged over 380 hours of space activity during his career as an Italian Air Force officer and European Space Agency astronaut. Born in Zocca on 4 May 1959, he transitioned from a military test pilot role to international space exploration, ultimately contributing to both scientific missions and the commercial development of specialized aviation technologies.
Early Training and Education
Cheli began his career at the Italian Air Force Academy before refining his skills at the Empire Test Pilots' School in England in 1988. His performance there resulted in the receipt of three distinct honors: the McKenna Trophy for top student, the Sir Alan Cobham Award for flying standards, and the Hawker Hunter Trophy for reporting. Academically, he pursued geophysics at Sapienza University of Rome and attained a master's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Houston.
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In 1992, the European Space Agency selected Cheli as an astronaut candidate. His service included rigorous training with the United States Air Force. In 1996, he served as a mission specialist aboard the NASA Space Shuttle mission STS-75. Throughout his career, he attained the rank of lieutenant colonel within the Italian Air Force, accumulating more than 4,500 flying hours across 50 different types of aircraft.
Aviation Engineering and Private Enterprise
Following his space flight, Cheli transitioned to Alenia Aeronautica in 1996, later serving as the Chief Test Pilot for combat aircraft, including the Eurofighter Typhoon. In 2005, he founded DigiSky, a firm focused on aviation technologies. His expertise in experimental aviation was demonstrated on 12 June 2009 during the World Air Games in Turin, where he piloted the SkySpark electric aircraft to a world speed record for its class.
Fast facts
- Born: 4 May 1959, Zocca, Italy
- Military Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- Space Mission: STS-75 (1996)
- Flying Experience: Over 4,500 hours
- Space Experience: Over 380 hours
- Education: University of Houston, Sapienza University of Rome
- Founder: DigiSky (2005)
- Honours: Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
Questions readers ask
What record did Maurizio Cheli set in 2009?
He set a world speed record for his class of aircraft while piloting the electric-powered SkySpark during the World Air Games in Turin.
Which aircraft program did Cheli test at the end of his flight career?
His final test program involved the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Achievements
- Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
- Affiliated with European Space Agency and Italian Space Agency
- Educated at University of Houston and Sapienza University of Rome
- Worked as astronaut and aircraft pilot
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