European Space Agency (ESA)
astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti
will soon be commander of the International Space Station
.
She makes it the same Esa.
To pass the baton will be the Russian commander Oleg Artemyev and AstroSamantha will be the first European woman to have this role.
"
I am honored by my appointment as commander
," said Samantha Critoforetti.
"I can't wait - she added - to draw on the experience I have gained in space and on Earth to lead a very capable team into orbit."