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 later studied at the UK's Empire Test Pilot’s School in Boscombe Down, graduating in 1988. By 1992, he joined the European Space Agency (ESA) and trained at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. Maurizio was the first Italian to train as a professional astronaut; previously, Italians who had flown in space were Payload Specialists, participating in missions linked to their expertise with on-board experiments.

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

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

Maurizio Cheli is a popular choice for public speaking and corporate events. He leverages his successes and experiences to inspire corporate guests. He conveys the intensity and emotions of his extraordinary experiences as an astronaut, chief test pilot, and entrepreneur, motivating and inspiring reflection in guests' professional and private lives. Using the metaphor of space, Maurizio encourages guests to transform everyday life into an extraordinary adventure and make every company exceptional. Space exploration offers valuable lessons that can be applied to daily life in various corporate and management areas. Specifically, Maurizio focuses on new behavioral models within the current business environment.