JSC2000-07238 (21 Nov. 2000) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, mission specialist. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

JSC2005-E-13483 (March 2005) --- Roberto Vittori, European Space Agency, Soyuz flight engineer, TMA-6.

Expedition 10 Commander and NASA Science Officer Leroy Chiao is seen inside the Soyuz capsule during the return of Expedition 10 and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori of Italy, Monday, April 25, 2005. Photo Credit: (NASA/ESA/Roberto Vittori)

European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori receives flowers upon arrival in Kustanay, Kazakhstan, Monday, April 25, 2005. Vittori, Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov brought their Soyuz TMA-5 capsule to a pre-dawn landing April 25 northeast of the town of Arkalyk to wrap up a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station for Chiao and Sharipov, and a ten-day mission for Vittori, who flew under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori takes questions from the press after a pre-dawn landing in the Soyuz TMA-5 capsule Monday, April 25, 2005 northeast of the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan. Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov wrapped up a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station, while Vittori completed a ten-day mission aboard the ISS under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, waves to well-wishers upon departure from the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center training base, Saturday, April 9, 2005, in Star City, Russia. Vittori will spend eight days on the Station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao, right, Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori brought their Soyuz TMA-5 capsule to a pre-dawn landing on Monday, April 25, 2005 northeast of the town of Arkalyk in Kazakhstan to wrap up a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station for Chiao and Sharipov. Vittori completed a ten-day mission aboard the ISS under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, left, Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov, far right, receive flowers upon arrival in Kustanay, Kazakhstan, Monday, April 25, 2005. Chiao, Sharipov and Vittori brought their Soyuz TMA-5 capsule to a pre-dawn landing April 25 northeast of the town of Arkalyk to wrap up a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station for Chiao and Sharipov, and a ten-day mission for Vittori, who flew under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao, left, Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, right, receive flowers upon arrival in Kustanay, Kazakhstan, Monday, April 25, 2005. Chiao, Sharipov and Vittori brought their Soyuz TMA-5 capsule to a pre-dawn landing April 25 northeast of the town of Arkalyk to wrap up a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station for Chiao and Sharipov, and a ten-day mission for Vittori, who flew under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, front, Flight Engineer John Phillips and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, second from rear, arrive at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Saturday, April 9, 2005, for pre-launch preparations. Krikalev, Phillips and Vittori will launch April 15 on a Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the Station, while Vittori spends eight days on the Station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, left, and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, are seen in their Russian Sokol suits prior to launch aboard the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Friday, April 15, 2005. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Technicians work on the Russian Sokol suit of European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, prior to launch aboard the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Friday, April 15, 2005 for a two-day trip to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Technicians work on the Russian Sokol suit of European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, center, prior to launch aboard the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Friday, April 15, 2005 for a two-day trip to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, left, and Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev participate in tilt table tests, Sunday, April 10, 2005, so technicians can collect pre-launch data on the state of their equilibrium prior to the April 15 launch to the International Space Station with Flight Engineer John Phillips in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer John Phillips, left, Commander Sergei Krikalev and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, receive the traditional pre-launch blessing, Thursday, April 14, 2005, prior to their launch aboard the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months on the station, replacing Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov, while Vittori will spend eight days on the Station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency, returning to Earth with Chiao and Sharipov on April 25. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 10 Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov, far right, Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, third from right, are treated to a traditional salt and bread welcoming at Star City, Russia, Monday, April 25, 2005. The crew brought their Soyuz TMA-5 capsule to a pre-dawn landing April 25 northeast of the town of Arkalyk in Kazakhstan to wrap up a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station for Chiao and Sharipov, and a ten-day mission for Vittori, who flew under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer John Phillips, left, Commander Sergei Krikalev and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, receive the traditional pre-launch blessing, Thursday, April 14, 2005, prior to their launch aboard the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months on the station, replacing Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov, while Vittori will spend eight days on the Station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency, returning to Earth with Chiao and Sharipov on April 25. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao, far left, Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, third from left, are welcomed home by officials at Star City, Russia, Monday, April 25, 2005. The crew brought their Soyuz TMA-5 capsule to a pre-dawn landing April 25 northeast of the town of Arkalyk to wrap up a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station for Chiao and Sharipov, and a ten-day mission for Vittori, who flew under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, right, Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao and Expedition 10 Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov, second from left, are welcomed home by well wishers at Star City, Russia, Monday, April 25, 2005. The crew brought their Soyuz TMA-5 capsule to a pre-dawn landing April 25 northeast of the town of Arkalyk in Kazakhstan to wrap up a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station for Chiao and Sharipov, and a ten-day mission for Vittori, who flew under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Flight Engineer John Phillips, left, European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy and Commander Sergei Krikalev, right, walk in the Cosmonaut hotel in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Monday, April 11, 2005. The trio will launch April 15 aboard a Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the station, while Vittori will spend eight days on the station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Flight Engineer John Phillips, left, Commander Sergei Krikalev and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, right, discuss the checkout of the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft with Russian space officials at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Sunday, April 10, 2005, during preparations for their launch to the International Space Station. Krikalev, Phillips and Vittori will launch April 15 on the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the station, while Vittori spends eight days on the station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Flight Engineer John Phillips, left, Commander Sergei Krikalev and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, right hidden, discuss the checkout of the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft with Russian space officials at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Sunday, April 10, 2005, during preparations for their launch to the International Space Station. Krikalev, Phillips and Vittori will launch April 15 on a Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the station, while Vittori spends eight days on the station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, center, Flight Engineer John Phillips, left, and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, answer questions from the media prior to their departure from the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center training base, Saturday, April 9, 2005, in Star City, Russia. The trio traveled to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for final pre-launch preparations. Krikalev, Phillips and Vittori will launch April 15 on a Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the Station, while Vittori spends eight days on the Station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, center, Flight Engineer John Phillips, left, and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, answer questions from the media prior to their departure from the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center training base, Saturday, April 9, 2005, in Star City, Russia. The trio traveled to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for final pre-launch preparations. Krikalev, Phillips and Vittori will launch April 15 on a Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the Station, while Vittori spends eight days on the Station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, center, accompanied by Flight Engineer John Phillips, left, and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori of Italy are seen at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center training base, Saturday, April 9, 2005, in Star City, Russia, prior to their departure to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for final pre-launch preparations. Krikalev, Phillips and Vittori will launch April 15 on a Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the Station, while Vittori spends eight days on the Station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, center, Flight Engineer John Phillips, left, and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori of Italy, far right, depart the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center training base, Saturday, April 9, 2005, in Star City, Russia for travel to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for final pre-launch preparations. Krikalev, Phillips and Vittori will launch April 15 on a Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the Station, while Vittori spends eight days on the Station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, left, Flight Engineer John Phillips and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, right, discuss the checkout of the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft with Russian space officials at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Sunday, April 10, 2005, during preparations for their launch to the International Space Station. Krikalev, Phillips and Vittori will launch April 15 on a Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the station, while Vittori spends eight days on the station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, right, is outfitted in his Russian Sokol suit, Friday, April 15, 2005, in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Vittori, along with Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev and Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer John Phillips were preparing for launch aboard the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at daybreak on April 15 for a two-day trip to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months on the station, replacing Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov, while Vittori will spend eight days on the Station under a commerical contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency, returning to Earth with Chiao and Sharipov on April 25. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, is outfitted in his Russian Sokol suit, Friday, April 15, 2005, in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Vittori, along with Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev and Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer John Phillips were preparing for launch aboard the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at daybreak on April 15 for a two-day trip to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months on the station, replacing Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov, while Vittori will spend eight days on the Station under a commerical contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency, returning to Earth with Chiao and Sharipov on April 25. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, center, Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer John Phillips, left, and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, are seen, Friday, April 15, 2005, prior to launch aboard the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for a two-day trip to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov, bottom left, Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, top left, arrive in Star City, Russia, Monday, April 25, 2005, after thet brought their Soyuz TMA-5 capsule to a pre-dawn landing northeast of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Technicians work on the Russian Sokol suits of Expedition 11 Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer John Phillips, seated left, Commander Sergei Krikalev and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, prior to launch aboard the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Friday, April 15, 2005 for a two-day trip to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, seated center, Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer John Phillips, seated left and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, seated right, relax prior to launch aboard the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Friday, April 15, 2005 for a two-day trip to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, center, Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer John Phillips, left, and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, are seen as technicians work on their Russian Sokol suits prior to launch aboard the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Friday, April 15, 2005 for a two-day trip to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Technicians work on the Russian Sokol suits of Expedition 11 Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer John Phillips, far left, and Commander Sergei Krikalev and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, right, prior to launch aboard the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Friday, April 15, 2005 for a two-day trip to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer John Phillips and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, talk to Anatoly Perminov, Head of the Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) prior to launch aboard the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Friday, April 15, 2005. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months on the Station, replacing Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov, while Vittori will spend eight days on the Station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency, returning to Earth with Chiao and Sharipov on April 25. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer John Phillips, left, crew Commander Sergei Krikalev and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, join together at a press conference, Thursday, April 14, 2005, prior to their April 15 launch aboard the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months on the station, replacing Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov, while Vittori will spend eight days on the Station under a commerical contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency, returning to Earth with Chiao and Sharipov on April 25. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, left, Expedition 11 Flight Engineer John Phillips, Commander Sergei Krikalev and backup, Russian Commander Mikhail Tyurin, right, watch a video about a Soyuz landing at the Cosmonaut Hotel in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Monday, April 11, 2005, during preparations for the April 15 launch on a Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the station, while Vittori spends eight days on the station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

STS-134 crew members, Commander Mark Kelly, Mission Specialists Greg Chamitoff, Andrew Feustel, Pilot Greg H. Johnson, Mission Specialist Mike Fincke and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori wave following their arrival to Kennedy Space Center, Tuesday, April 26, 2011, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The six astronauts for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission to the International Space Station arrived at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) in T-38 jets early Tuesday afternoon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly, center, along with his crew speaks to the media following their arrival to Kennedy Space Center, Tuesday, April 26, 2011, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. From left are Mission Specialists Greg Chamitoff, Andrew Feustel, Kelly, Pilot Greg H. Johnson, Mission Specialist Mike Fincke and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori. The six astronauts for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission to the International Space Station arrived at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) in T-38 jets early Tuesday afternoon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly, center, along with his crew pose for a photograph following their arrival to Kennedy Space Center, Tuesday, April 26, 2011, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. From left are Mission Specialists Greg Chamitoff, Andrew Feustel, Kelly, Pilot Greg H. Johnson, Mission Specialist Mike Fincke and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori. The six astronauts for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission to the International Space Station arrived at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) in T-38 jets early Tuesday afternoon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly, center, along with his crew speaks to the media following their arrival to Kennedy Space Center, Tuesday, April 26, 2011, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. From left are Mission Specialists Greg Chamitoff, Andrew Feustel, Kelly, Pilot Greg H. Johnson, Mission Specialist Mike Fincke and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori. The six astronauts for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission to the International Space Station arrived at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) in T-38 jets early Tuesday afternoon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama meet with STS-134 space shuttle Endeavor commander Mark Kelly, right, and shuttle astronauts, from left, Andrew Feustel, European Space Agency’s Roberto Vittori, Michael Fincke, Gregory H. Johnson, and Greg Chamitoff, after their launch was scrubbed, Friday, April 29, 2011, at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama meet with STS-134 space shuttle Endeavor commander Mark Kelly, right, and shuttle astronauts, from left, Andrew Feustel, European Space Agency’s Roberto Vittori, Michael Fincke, Gregory H. Johnson, and Greg Chamitoff, after their launch was scrubbed, Friday, April 29, 2011, at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

JSC2000-07238 (Nov. 21, 2000) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist.

Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, left, European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, Flight Engineer John Phillips, third from left, along with their backups, Russian Commander Mikhail Tyurin, American Dan Tani and Robert Thirsk, of Canada, far right, participate in the traditional raising of their countries’ flags outside their crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan on Monday, April 11, 2005, during preparations for the April 15 launch on a Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the station, while Vittori spends eight days on the station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, left, European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, Flight Engineer John Phillips, third from left, along with their backups, Russian Commander Mikhail Tyurin, American Dan Tani and Robert Thirsk, of Canada, far right, participate in the traditional raising of their countries’ flags outside their crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan on Monday, April 11, 2005, during preparations for the April 15 launch on a Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the station, while Vittori spends eight days on the station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 backup crew Robert Thirsk of Canada, left, American Dan Tani, Russian Commander Mikhail Tyurin and prime Expedition 11 crew Commander Sergei Krikalev, fourth from left, Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer John Phillips and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori of Italy, right, talk to the press, Thursday, April 14, 2005, prior to the April 15 launch aboard the Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months on the Station, replacing Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao and Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov, while Vittori will spend eight days on the Station under a commerical contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency, returning to Earth with Chiao and Sharipov on April 25. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, left, European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, Flight Engineer John Phillips, third from left, along with their backups, Russian Commander Mikhail Tyurin, American Dan Tani and Robert Thirsk, of Canada, far right, participate in the traditional raising of their countries’ flags outside their crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan on Monday, April 11, 2005, during preparations for the April 15 launch on a Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the station, while Vittori spends eight days on the station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

JSC2005-E-10714 (April 2005) --- Expedition 11/Soyuz patch for the launch phase of the mission that brought ESA's Roberto Vittori of Italy to the International Space Station for 8 days of commercially-sponsored scientific research.

ISS010-E-25226 (20 April 2005) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Roberto Vittori of Italy is pictured in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station (ISS). A patch representing the Italian flag and a toy bicycle float freely near Vittori. After spending eight days on the Station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency, Vittori will return to Earth with the Expedition 10 crew on April 24 (CDT).

The STS-134 astronauts from left, European Space Agency's Roberto Vittori, Gregory H. Johnson, pilot; Mark Kelly, commander; Michael Fincke, Greg Chamitoff, and Andrew Feustel all mission specialists, pose for a group photograph shortly after landing onboard the space shuttle Endeavour at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at Kennedy Space Center, Wednesday, June 1, 2011, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Endeavour, completing a 16-day mission to outfit the International Space Station, spent 299 days in space and traveled more than 122.8 million miles during its 25 flights. It launched on its first mission on May 7, 1992. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

ISS010-E-25227 (20 April 2005) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Roberto Vittori of Italy uses a communication system in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station (ISS). After spending eight days on the Station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency, Vittori will return to Earth with the Expedition 10 crew on April 24 (CDT).

JSC2010-E-018581 (3 Feb. 2010) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, dons a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA?s Johnson Space Center. United Space Alliance suit technician Andre Denard assisted Vittori.

JSC2010-E-124278 (8 Sept. 2010) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, dons a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a training session in the fixed-base shuttle mission simulator (SMS) in the Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility at NASA?s Johnson Space Center. United Space Alliance suit technician Daniel Palmer assisted Vittori. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

ISS004-E-10622 (27 April 2002) --- Soyuz Taxi Flight Engineer Roberto Vittori of the European Space Agency (ESA) moves through one of the many hatches on the International Space Station (ISS). Vittori and his Soyuz Taxi crewmates, Commander Yuri Gidzenko and South African space flight participant Mark Shuttleworth, arrived at the orbital outpost on April 27, 2002 at 2:56 a.m. (CDT) as the two vehicles flew over Central Asia.

ISS004-E-10634 (27 April 2002) --- Soyuz Taxi Flight Engineer Roberto Vittori of the European Space Agency (ESA) enters the functional cargo block’s (FGB) pressurized adapter on the International Space Station (ISS). Vittori and his Soyuz Taxi crewmates, Commander Yuri Gidzenko and South African space flight participant Mark Shuttleworth, arrived at the orbital outpost on April 27, 2002 at 2:56 a.m. (CDT) as the two vehicles flew over Central Asia.

ISS004-E-10643 (27 April 2002) --- Soyuz Taxi Flight Engineer Roberto Vittori of the European Space Agency (ESA) uses a communication system in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS). Vittori and his Soyuz Taxi crewmates, Commander Yuri Gidzenko and South African space flight participant Mark Shuttleworth, arrived at the orbital outpost on April 27, 2002 at 2:56 a.m. (CDT) as the two vehicles flew over Central Asia.

ISS004-E-10637 (27 April 2002) --- Soyuz Taxi Flight Engineer Roberto Vittori of the European Space Agency (ESA) moves through the Zvezda Service Module’s transfer compartment on the International Space Station (ISS). Vittori and his Soyuz Taxi crewmates, Commander Yuri Gidzenko and South African space flight participant Mark Shuttleworth, arrived at the orbital outpost on April 27, 2002 at 2:56 a.m. (CDT) as the two vehicles flew over Central Asia.

JSC2010-E-025744 (23 Feb. 2010) --- Attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, is pictured during a water survival training session in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

S134-E-007010 (18 May 2011) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, works on the middeck of space shuttle Endeavour during flight day three activities. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2011-E-050706 (2 June 2011) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, is pictured during the STS-134 crew return ceremony on June 2, 2011 at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center. Photo credit: NASA

Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer John Phillips and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori of Italy ride the elevator to the top of the Soyuz TMA-6 rocket, Friday, April 15, 2005 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

JSC2010-E-018893 (3 Feb. 2010) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, participates in a training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2010-E-025755 (23 Feb. 2010) --- Attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, is pictured during a water survival training session in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2001-E-025694 (23 Feb. 2010) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, gets helps with the donning of a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a water survival training session in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

S134-E-007273 (19 May 2011) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, floats through the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station while space shuttle Endeavour remains docked with the station. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2010-E-018892 (3 Feb. 2010) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori (left), STS-134 mission specialist, attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, is pictured during a training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

S134-E-006893 (18 May 2011) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, occupies the pilot?s station on the forward flight deck of space shuttle Endeavour during rendezvous and docking operations with the International Space Station on flight day three. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2010-E-018506 (3 Feb. 2010) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, dons a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2001-E-025697 (23 Feb. 2010) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, is pictured during a water survival training session in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2010-E-018878 (3 Feb. 2010) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, gets help with the donning of a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA?s Johnson Space Center.

ISS004-E-10835 (May 2002) --- Soyuz Taxi Flight Engineer Roberto Vittori (foreground) of the European Space Agency (ESA) and South African space flight participant Mark Shuttleworth work in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS).

S134-E-010905 (30 May 2011) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori (left) and NASA astronaut Greg Chamitoff, both STS-134 mission specialists, are pictured on the aft flight deck of space shuttle Endeavour during flight day 15 activities. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2011-E-028491 (24 March 2011) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, fields a question from a reporter during a preflight press conference at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

S134-E-007167 (18 May 2011) --- European Space Agency astronauts Paolo Nespoli (left), Expedition 27 flight engineer, and Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, are pictured in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station while space shuttle Endeavour remains docked with the station. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2011-E-050733 (2 June 2011) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, is pictured during the STS-134 crew return ceremony on June 2, 2011 at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center. Photo credit: NASA

S134-E-008358 (21 May 2011) --- European Space Agency astronauts Paolo Nespoli (right), Expedition 27 flight engineer, and Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, are pictured onboard the International Space Station while space shuttle Endeavour remains docked with the station. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2011-E-028498 (24 March 2011) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, responds to a question from a reporter during a preflight press conference at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

JSC2011-E-050776 (2 June 2011) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, is pictured during the STS-134 crew return ceremony on June 2, 2011 at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center. Photo credit: NASA

S134-E-006404 (16 May 2011) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, rests in his sleeping bag, which is attached to the lockers on the middeck of the space shuttle Endeavour. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2010-E-018871 (3 Feb. 2010) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, gets help with the donning of a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA?s Johnson Space Center.

The Soyuz TMA-6 vehicle is transported by train to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Wednesday, April 13, 2005, as preparations continued for the April 15 launch to send Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, Flight Engineer John Phillips and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the station, while Vittori spends eight days on the station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao, second from right, is helped onto a Russian search and rescue helicopter after he, Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori brought their Soyuz TMA-5 capsule to a pre-dawn landing, Monday, April 25, 2005, northeast of the town of Arkalyk in Kazakhstan. Chiao and Sharipov completed a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station, while Vittori, who flew under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency, completed a ten-day mission. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

ISS004-E-11121 (2 May 2002) --- The Expedition Four and Soyuz 4 Taxi crews pose for a group photo in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS). The Soyuz 4 Taxi crew (front row), from the left, are flight engineer Roberto Vittori, commander Yuri Gidzenko, and South African space flight participant Mark Shuttleworth. The Expedition Four crew (back row), from the left, are astronaut Carl E. Walz, flight engineer; cosmonaut Yury I. Onufrienko, mission commander; and astronaut Daniel W. Bursch, flight engineer. Onufrienko and Gidzenko represent Rosaviakosmos and Vittori represents the European Space Agency (ESA).

S134-E-006530 (17 May 2011) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, seen here at controls on Endeavour's aft flight deck, interfaces with the external/remote systems which, as well as performing other chores, work together to inspect the shuttle for possible damage. Vittori is joining five other veteran astronauts for a 16-day mission -- Endeavour's farewell flight -- in Earth orbit. Docking with the International Space Station was only a day away at the time this picture was recorded. Photo credit: NASA

Officials wait for the Soyuz TMA-6 vehicle to be rolled to its launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Wednesday, April 13, 2005 in preparation for the April 15 launch to send Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, Flight Engineer John Phillips and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the station, while Vittori spends eight days on the station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Soyuz TMA-6 vehicle is transported by train to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Wednesday, April 13, 2005, as preparations continued for the April 15 launch to send Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, Flight Engineer John Phillips and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the station, while Vittori spends eight days on the station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Soyuz TMA-6 vehicle is transported by train to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Wednesday, April 13, 2005, as preparations continued for the April 15 launch to send Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, Flight Engineer John Phillips and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the station, while Vittori spends eight days on the station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

ISS027-E-036248 (23 May 2011) --- Onboard the International Space Station, European Space Agency astronauts Paolo Nespoli (left) and Roberto Vittori shake hands following an Earth-to-space phone tag-up with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano. Nespoli has been on the station for over five months and is due to return to Earth in less than 24 hours. Vittori is on a 16-day mission of the space shuttle Endeavour, joined by five NASA astronauts. This occasion is the second time two Italian astronauts have been in space together and the first time in the last 15 years.

Russian flight suits lie on the ground outside the inflatable medical tent, Monday, April 25, 2005, Arkalyk, Kazakhstan. Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao, Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori brought their Soyuz TMA-5 capsule to a pre-dawn landing April 25 northeast of the town of Arkalyk in Kazakhstan to wrap up a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station for Chiao and Sharipov, and a ten-day mission for Vittori, who flew under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 11 Flight Engineer John Phillips, left, and backup American Dan Tani stay limber during an exercise session, Monday, April 11, 2005, in Baikonur, Kazakhstan as Philips prepares for the April 15 launch to the International Space Station with Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when arrive at the station, while Vittori spends eight days on the station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

ISS004-E-11118 (2 May 2002) --- The Expedition Four and Soyuz 4 Taxi crews pose for a group photo in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS). The Soyuz 4 Taxi crew (front row), from the left, are flight engineer Roberto Vittori, commander Yuri Gidzenko, and South African space flight participant Mark Shuttleworth. The Expedition Four crew (back row), from the left, are astronaut Carl E. Walz, flight engineer; cosmonaut Yury I. Onufrienko, mission commander; and astronaut Daniel W. Bursch, flight engineer. Onufrienko and Gidzenko represent Rosaviakosmos and Vittori represents the European Space Agency (ESA).

The Soyuz TMA-6 vehicle is transported by train to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Wednesday, April 13, 2005, as preparations continued for the April 15 launch to send Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, Flight Engineer John Phillips and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the station, while Vittori spends eight days on the station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao receives flowers upon arrival in Kustanay, Kazakhstan, Monday, April 25, 2005. Chiao, Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori brought their Soyuz TMA-5 capsule to a pre-dawn landing April 25 northeast of the town of Arkalyk to wrap up a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station for Chiao and Sharipov, and a ten-day mission for Vittori, who flew under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

A Russian search and rescue helicopter flies over Arkalyk airport in Kazakhstan, Monday, April, 25, 2005. Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao, Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori brought their Soyuz TMA-5 capsule to a pre-dawn landing April 25 northeast of the town of Arkalyk to wrap up a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station for Chiao and Sharipov, and a ten-day mission for Vittori, who flew under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Soyuz TMA-6 spacecraft is seen on the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Wednesday, April 13, 2005, as preparations continued for the April 15 launch to send Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, Flight Engineer John Phillips and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the station, while Vittori spends eight days on the station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao signs the inside of the helicopter that will take him back to Kustanay, Kazakhstan, Monday, April 25, 2005. Chiao, Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori brought their Soyuz TMA-5 capsule to a pre-dawn landing April 25 northeast of the town of Arkalyk to wrap up a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station for Chiao and Sharipov, and a ten-day mission for Vittori, who flew under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Signatures of astronauts and cosmonauts that have flown onboard this Russian helicopter are seen in this image, Monday, April 25, 2005, Kazakhstan. Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao, Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori brought their Soyuz TMA-5 capsule to a pre-dawn landing April 25 northeast of the town of Arkalyk to wrap up a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station for Chiao and Sharipov, and a ten-day mission for Vittori, who flew under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Soyuz TMA-6 vehicle is placed on the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Wednesday, April 13, 2005, as preparations continued for the April 15 launch to send Expedition 11 Commander Sergei Krikalev, Flight Engineer John Phillips and European Space Agency Astronaut Roberto Vittori, of Italy, to the International Space Station. Krikalev and Phillips will spend six months in space and greet the first Shuttle crew to fly in more than two years when it arrives at the station, while Vittori spends eight days on the station under a commercial contract between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)