From Aeronautics to Virgin Galactic, here is who Villadei is, the astronaut in pole position for a new private mission in space

Walter Villadei, an Italian astronaut, is set to participate in the upcoming Axiom 5 mission with Axiom Space. The mission will be discussed at the next meeting of the Interministerial Committee for Space Policies. Villadei, a colonel pilot in the Italian Air Force, has a background in aerospace engineering and has previously flown on Virgin Galactic's Galactic 01 mission. He has been involved in various scientific experiments during his time in space, including 18 days aboard the International Space Station. His experience positions him as a key figure in Italy's new generation of astronauts.