Maurizio Cheli

Maurizio earned his degree in Aeronautical Sciences from the Accademia Aeronautica di Pozzuoli (Italian Air Force Academy). In 1983, he was assigned as an operational reconnaissance pilot to the F-104G and from here he went on to study at the UK's Empire Test Pilot’s School course in Boscombe Down, graduating in 1988. Just a few years later in 1992, he joined the European Space Agency (ESA) and was sent to the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. Maurizio was the first Italian to train as a professional astronaut, prior to this point, Italians who had flown in space had only done so as Payload Specialists, with their participation in a mission specifically linked to their expertise with one of the onboard experiments.

In 1996, Cheli was the Mission Specialist in the Space Shuttle Columbia STS-75 Tethered Satellite mission. The same year also saw him take on new roles outside the Space Industry as Maurizio was hired as a Chief Test Pilot for defence aircraft by Alenia Aeronautica. Additionally, he was the head of the operational development of the European fighter Eurofighter Typhoon.

In 2005, Maurizio set up CFM Air, a start-up focused on the design of advanced light aircraft and in 2006 he established DigiSky, a company that specialises in the development of on-board electronics for sports aircraft.

Maurizio Cheli is a popular choice for public speaking and corporate events as he uses his successes and experiences to inspire guests in the corporate field. He conveys the intensity and emotions of his extraordinary experiences as an astronaut, chief test pilot and entrepreneur, to motivate and inspire reflection in guests' professional and private lives. Set against the metaphor of space, Maurizio encourages guests to turn everyday life into an extraordinary adventure and every company into an exceptional place. Space exploration offers many lessons that can be applied to peoples day to day lives in various corporate and management areas. In particular, Maurizio focuses on new behavioural models within the current business environment.