We're welcoming @astro_luca to #ESRIN near Rome in Italy this morning for his final European press conference before he is launched to the @Space_Station in July! There're exciting times ahead for this seasoned @esa #astronaut 👨‍🚀 See more #MissionBeyond

We’re in the hall at #ESRIN as media are starting to gather. Did you know @esa establishment ESRIN is ESA’s centre for Earth observation? Last year the team celebrated its 50 year anniversary 🎉 @ESA_EO

"When you are inspired, you are motivated to do something better for our world." – Jan Wörner. Every €1 invested in space creates €6 in economic returns, but even more valuable is the curiosity it inspires. Learn more about your contribution esa.int/spaceinimages/… #Space19Plus

€1 of your annual contribution goes towards Human and Robotic Exploration, that includes sending @astro_luca to the @Space_Station where he'll conduct around 51 European experiments throughout #MissionBeyond to help us #ExploreFarther in space and improve life on #Earth 🌍

“The Moon is silently awaiting our return” - David Parker. Much of the @ISS_Research @astro_luca performs will be vital as we look #Beyond low Earth orbit to the #Moon 🌔 and #Mars #ForwardtotheMoon

@astro_luca says: “Thank you for letting me have this amazing privilege of flying to space to be part of such amazing exploration and technology development.” You’re most welcome Luca! 👨‍🚀 It takes a team to go to #space & that includes you following today. Let‘s go #MissionBeyond

.@esa Utilisation Planning Team leader Kirsten MacDonell introduced the #European @ISS_Research @astro_luca will perform during #MissionBeyond. Discover new experiments like #Biorock and familiar favourites like #GRIP in the Beyond mission brochure: esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/HRE/Beyon…

And that's a wrap! Thanks for following. Full conference coverage will be available a bit later on. Until then here's one last look at our speakers: @ASI_spazio President Giorgio Saccoccia with @esa's Kirsten MacDonell, David Parker, @astro_luca, @janwoerner & Josef Aschbacher.

Watch @astro_luca's full #MissionBeyond news conference online now. Note: the majority of this conversation took place in Italian though the science summary and introductory presentations are in English. @ESA_Italia @janwoerner @AschbacherJosef @ASI_spazio