In July 2013, Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano faced a nightmare scenario during a spacewalk outside the International Space Station. Water began leaking into his helmet, initially mistaken for sweat but quickly escalating into a life-threatening emergency as the fluid impaired his vision and hearing. More than a decade later, Parmitano has been selected as a member of NASA's Artemis III crew, placing him at the forefront of humanity's next deep-space exploration chapter.
The Day Luca Parmitano Nearly Drowned in Space
On July 16, 2013, Parmitano exited the International Space Station for a routine six-hour spacewalk. About an hour in, he noticed moisture inside his helmet. The liquid soon covered his eyes, entered his nose and ears, and hampered communication. In microgravity, water forms floating globules rather than falling away. As the water increased, his ability to see and hear deteriorated, making it difficult to return to the station. NASA later determined a malfunction in the spacesuit's cooling system caused the leak. The incident is among the most dangerous spacewalk emergencies ever recorded. Parmitano described it as the closest he had come to death, with a growing water bubble around his head raising fears of airway blockage. Mission controllers terminated the spacewalk, and Parmitano navigated back to the airlock despite limited visibility. The subsequent investigation led to major changes in spacesuit procedures and safety protocols.
From Fighter Pilot to Astronaut
Before the 2013 incident, Parmitano had a distinguished career in aviation and engineering. Born in Paternò, Sicily, he joined the Italian Air Force and trained as a fighter pilot, accumulating thousands of flight hours. He was selected as an astronaut by the European Space Agency in 2009. His technical expertise, operational experience, and composure under pressure established him as a leading European astronaut. After recovering from the 2013 incident, he continued flying missions rather than letting the experience define his career.
Returning to Space and Commanding the ISS
Many astronauts might have struggled to return to space after such trauma. Parmitano did the opposite. In 2019, he returned to the ISS and later became its commander, the first Italian to hold the position. He accumulated over 360 days in space and conducted multiple spacewalks, proving the 2013 incident had not diminished his confidence. His willingness to return to the environment where he nearly died earned widespread respect.
The Road to Artemis III
In June 2026, NASA named Parmitano as one of four crew members for Artemis III, a major milestone in his career. The Artemis program aims to establish a long-term human presence beyond low-Earth orbit and pave the way for future exploration. Parmitano's selection also marks a historic moment for Europe, as he is the first European Space Agency astronaut assigned to an Artemis crew. For an astronaut who once fought for survival outside the ISS, the assignment is a testament to perseverance and trust earned through decades of service.
About the Author: TOI Science Desk
The TOI Science Desk is a team of journalists dedicated to covering the latest in science, from genetic engineering and space exploration to artificial intelligence. They strive to make science accessible and engaging for all readers.
