Doct. Carlo Viberti – History-first Private Engineer-Cosmonaut

It was a joyful moment filled with curiosity when Doct. Carlo Viberti, the history-first Private Engineer-Cosmonaut, addressed the students of the Principality of Monaco about options to train as a future astronaut.

Graduated with honors at the age of 24 as a Doctor in Aeronautical Engineering at the University Politecnico Torino (Italy) in 2010, Doct. Carlo Viberti was proposed by the President of the Italian Space Agency as the first sub-orbital astronaut-engineer for sub-orbital research flights. 

In 2005, Carlo became the first non-U.S. citizen authorized to fly from the NASA Space Shuttle L.F. at the Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral-Florida) for the first NASA Microgravity Pathfinder Flights. Carlo is also the founding member of SpaceLand, the world’s first private 0-G research agency. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in space exploration, and how did you develop the skills and knowledge necessary for this unique role?

“At around 2.30 a.m. on July 21, 1969, my father gently woke me up, interrupting my night´s sleep with a momentous event: the first astronauts on the lunar surface, live on our black and white television screen. At the age of six, this extraordinary event irrevocably altered the course of my existence. From that pivotal moment, a thirst for knowledge about space began to burgeon within me. It was accompanied by a flurry of profound questions: Who are we? Where did we originate from? Where is humankind going ? What is the purpose of life?

Still unanswered to this day, yet such questions continue to fuel my curiosity and passion for understanding our place in the cosmos. To best aim at such objectives, I have always balanced rigorous academic and professional pursuits with an equilibrating passion for music and sports, from primary school to my initial roles at ESA, while growing “microgravity awareness”.

Those years at ESA provided me with invaluable on-the-job training opportunities for aerospace missions and paved the way for my nominations for private aerospace research missions. Accounting for ESA parabolic test flights and the subsequent SpaceLand research missions open to all , I accumulated approximately double the amount of time spent in microgravity by Yuri Gagarin during his record spaceflight in 1961.”

Can you tell us about your journey from being a private engineer to becoming a cosmonaut?

“Well, this is a long story. After graduating as Aeronautical Engineer at Politecnico Torino, I worked in an Italian aerospace industry for the accommodation of scientific payloads on the Space Station Freedom, now ISS (International Space Station). 

In 1989, I was selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) for the position of Lead Engineer at the ESA Astronaut Activities Office in the Netherlands. There, I was in charge of designing spaceflight crew systems and organizing underwater tests and weightless research on parabolic flights to test them, along with the correlated astronaut operations before launching to space.

ESA later appointed me as the Chairman of the European Technology Working Group, tasked with coordinating all the Technology Experiments of both ESA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) on the Russian orbiting complex Mir.

In 1998, I had to leave ESA to return to Italy due to my parents’ health conditions, requiring my constant presence at home. This led me to switch from public institutions to a self-employed space engineering work, with the personal goal of bringing to fruition all my experiences.

The turning point was the period spent in Kazakhstan, amidst the barren landscapes surrounding the Russian cosmodrome. There, we were integrating into the Soyuz rocket the European experimental hardware for the EuroMir 95 program, the longest European crewed spaceflight at that time. During long bumpy bus rides between Gagarin’s space-launch pad and our hotel in Bajkonur, I engaged in stimulating discussions with the Program Manager of the Space Station Mir. 

“What if we could enable private individuals to participate in microgravity research flights involving ordinary people?”, I eventually asked him. He agreed with that vision and, when I left the Netherlands to work privately, helped me become the one to showcase that concept.

Consider that whenever you remove the force of gravity from governing equations in nature, a wealth of new discoveries becomes accessible in almost all chemical, physical, and biological processes and phenomena. In this context, the terms “microgravity” and “space” are synonymous.

Implementing that idea of mine would have meant, de facto, “democratizing” microgravity research and educational flights. Not only to support planetary exploration with the involvement of the general public but also to raise public awareness about the importance of human spaceflights.

In the year 2000, the preliminary acceptance of my nomination came through the U.S.A.-Russian group Mir Corp, which started commercially managing that orbital outpost. Unfortunately, due to U.S.A-led pressures to strengthen the dominant role of the growing International Space Station, Moscow decided to de-orbit their own space laboratories, bringing my space mission to a halt. In response, together with some colleagues in 2002, we pursued this goal by activating the SpaceLand program, representing one more step towards making space accessible to all.

My focus was shifted towards advancing the SpaceLand program worldwide , starting from Africa, through a novel spin-off company created in Mauritius, Africa’s number one economy in terms of GDP per capita. This step carried a secondary but equally significant goal, namely to locally create labour-intensive jobs to help mitigate the escalating migration crisis from Africa to Europe. These goals were presented by me with the President of that Republic to the United Nations through an invited keynote speech at a U.N. High-Level Forum on Space in Dubai. 

Consequently, I continued flying weightless missions, strengthening SpaceLand’s records set at NASA, bringing on board kids, the elderly, and the first disabled person: my unwavering commitment to flying privately for microgravity S.T.E.A.M.M. (acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts – we brought in weightless the first microgravity painter, too –, Math and Medicine) remained undeterred and is coupled to SpaceLand’s mission of enabling scientists and laypersons to experience Moon-gravity, Mars-gravity and Zero-gravity conditions. 

Applications to join our flights are now open every three months; among other things, we are in the process of preparing the second artist to paint in weightlessness, this time an artist (painter) resident in Monte-Carlo.”

SpaceLand is known for its innovative approach to space exploration. Could you share some insights into the groundbreaking projects or missions you’ve been a part of?

“At SpaceLand, we are very proud of our 22-year long journey of engaging diverse groups of individuals globally, providing a transformative “life-vision-changing” experience for numerous members of the general public, at any age. We facilitate their contribution to pioneering projects in the realm of all microgravity S.T.E.A.M.M. disciplines, which would be unfeasible in terrestrial laboratories due to Earth’s gravity.

SpaceLand has activities both in Florida and in Europe to qualify and bring in Lunar-gravity, Mars-gravity, and Zero-gravity flight conditions, depending on users’ requirements. We utilize state-of-the-art S.T.E.A.M.M. hardware together with laypersons, from 11-year-old kids (e.g. my son, Kim Marco Viberti, still holding the record as the world’s youngest test subject in weightlessness) to elderly with 86 and 93 (world’s oldest zero-gravity science test subjects). 

We even had the world’s first 100% disabled participant, Elma, an Italian woman who flew like a professional astronaut despite being wheelchair-bound in her normal life. Testing novel computer control technologies without using her hands, most valuable for both astronauts and people with such disabilities on the ground, she also paved the way for the zero-G flight of disabled English theoretical physicist and cosmologist, Stephen Hawking a year later. 

Supporting scientists, biomedical researchers, technology innovators, and artists across all these areas who can benefit from the absence or reduction of gravity means showcasing that “Space Democratization” is indeed possible and can greatly benefit all S.T.E.A.M.M. sectors, enhancing the lives of ordinary people.

Some of these microgravity R, D&T flights of ours also contributed to pioneering research in the field of neuro-pathologies, with significant implications for the Alzheimer’s syndrome, which affects millions of families globally each year. In this respect, I led weightless research activities for a European science team coordinated by a Nobel Prize winner in Medicine, which, through future SpaceLand flights, might potentially pave the way for breakthroughs to extend human longevity.”

You mentioned earlier that you are working with Monaco residents as well to help them to experience microgravity. How could Monaco benefit from a SpaceLand center in the South of France?

“This initiative would build on Monte-Carlo’s illustrious history in civil aviation. A SpaceLand Center of Excellence for Space Knowledge Economy could even be established in Monaco,unlocking further socio-economic potential and elevating the Principality’s prestige as a global leader in Space democratization. 

Such a landmark outpost in Monaco could make space genuinely accessible to all, including innovations in education, leisure, and tourism, positioning Monte-Carlo at the forefront of the Space Economy.”

Could you describe a typical day at SpaceLand, from training to preparing for a space mission?

“Our selection process for participants in aerospace flights begins with a comprehensive questionnaire. This is followed by medical evaluations, English proficiency and psychological attitude tests, and exercises to assess psychomotor skills. We also conduct individual interviews and underwater diving familiarization sessions. The latter is designed to help candidates understand changes in their body kinematics and how dynamic tasks can be performed in weightlessness, which is simulated in specialized underwater facilities at our training locations.

After this initial phase, we begin qualification training. We invite candidates to suggest activities for the actual flight mission. This training can range from preparing procedures for executing educational or professional S.T.E.A.M.M. projects to simply preparing for the various phases of the flight mission to maximize the “astronaut-like” experience and “weightless leisure” should the candidate be a straightforward “space tourist” with no particular experiments to carry out.

In cases where complex scientific research or technological innovation payloads are to be operated by the flight participant, we custom-design a few days of payload-specific training sessions, as in microgravity, every apparently simple task becomes complicated or cumbersome. Such a syllabus is designed by our Board to best prepare for each particular operational scenario to be implemented, also depending on the complexity of the experimental hardware to be utilized on board.

Imagine conducting cutting-edge experiments while experiencing the thrill of walking like an astronaut on the Moon or Mars. Or even performing a complete cabin loop in total weightlessness, as will occur on the upcoming flight this year, while, for instance, performing sampling activities for a life science or a materials science test.”

As a history-first cosmonaut, you must have a unique perspective on the evolution of space travel. How has the industry changed over the years, and what role has SpaceLand played in these changes?

“The first 50 years of space programs were primarily a competition between continental superpowers, namely the USA and the USSR, with Italy emerging as a smaller third space-faring nation with its San Marco spaceport and satellite launches in Africa. In the 1990s, a large group of national space agencies united under the European Space Agency (ESA) umbrella entered the space race, followed by India and China, with the latter now owning its own orbital station. 

The landscape has further changed in the last 10-15 years, with an opening up of space exploration to several private players, but with several constraints, basically boiling down to finance. In fact, despite this seeming inclusivity, there are still significant barriers to entry in the field of space exploration and to directly benefit from microgravity science and technology applications. 

Besides, space-faring governments’ focus on exploring the Moon, Mars, and the solar system often aligns with a greater emphasis and allocation of funds towards undisclosed military objectives, which may not always serve the best interests of all nations. Additionally, the limited number of entrepreneurs knowledgeable about space and rockets allows a few actors, mostly wealthy corporates linked to big multinational industry, to set prices at the high end of the commercial offer due to their near-monopoly on such complex services. 

A similar situation is occurring with parabolic flights for microgravity R&D, although SpaceLand is breaking such monopolies both in the USA and in Europe with larger, more effective, and less expensive vehicles for all .

Another concern relates to the frequent launch of hundreds of small satellites, with the aim of squeezing profit as much as possible. Although a non-negligible number of such satellites quickly become defunct in orbit, contributing to the increasing congestion of Earth’s orbit with hazardous debris. This escalating issue heightens the risk of catastrophic collisions between space junk and operational satellites, potentially causing abrupt disruptions in telecommunications, internet-of-things services, weather forecasting, maritime/air/ground navigation services, leading to potential large-scale problems with severe societal consequences. At SpaceLand, we are proactively addressing many of these concerns. 

Providing scientists and innovators with a multidisciplinary platform that will also aid in the protection of our planet, we aim to enable everyone to participate in the vast opportunities offered by an eco-sustainable circular economy driven by the invaluable knowledge of the Space Economy. 

Furthermore, our studies on human longevity extension, facilitated by the unique conditions of weightlessness, underscore the significance of our mission to significantly contribute to the advancement of space exploration and the betterment of humanity.”

Do you think that space tourism helps to accelerate the industry?

“Current non-SpaceLand space tourists predominantly belong to the Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) category, representing approximately 1% of the global population. This demographic is an attractive target for space entrepreneurs, as their financial capabilities stimulate the development of more reliable and reusable spaceflight systems. 

However, the high cost of these ventures often restricts them to being perceived as exclusive joyrides for multi-millionaires, if not-billionaires, offering limited benefits to humanity.

Notwithstanding that, I do believe that space tourism can play a pivotal role in accelerating the space industry in a holistic and eco-sustainable manner. Space moguls’ profit margins have to be reduced, though, while enhancing the safety and effectiveness of human spaceflight opportunities and increasing socio-economic, scientific, and technological returns to improve the quality of life for all, not just the élite.

Microgravity Flight Tourism, a subset of space tourism, has the potential to significantly reduce entry barriers. This makes the benefits of planetary exploration and microgravity educational and research projects accessible to a larger portion of the world’s population.

A seat on a SpaceLand flight mission costs nearly a hundred times less than the most affordable sub-orbital flight ticket, while offering approximately three times more zero-gravity or Lunar/Mars-gravity time than such flights. Compared to the only parabolic flight provider currently in Europe, SpaceLand will charge 30% less for a flight mission on a more modern and much longer flight vehicle.

This reduction in the cost of aerospace tourism will broaden the number of global participants, engaging entire communities of users and a myriad new aerospace tourists. This will lead to a better understanding of governmental spending in planetary exploration and microgravity R,D&T. 

In turn, this can initiate a virtuous cycle to further reduce costs and expand accessibility to Space as well as multiply new discoveries and applications from weightless S.T.E.A.M.M. research, ultimately improving the quality of life for all.”

What is the significance of being a private engineer-cosmonaut, and how does it differ from traditional government space agencies?

“Astronauts employed by traditional governmental space agencies often have limited scope for personal initiatives. In essence, they tend to serve as the extended arm of science teams and space managers on the ground, bound by strict rules, regulations, and mission procedures imposed by their superiors. Their career paths offer limited flexibility.

However, freedom of action and speech often require economic independence. In the intricate arena of space exploration, only a select few non-billionaires are making significant strides. As a private engineer-cosmonaut nominee, the necessity of raising private funds has indeed kept me occupied.

While enjoying the freedom to conceive experiments at the forefront of knowledge with top-tier scientists and technology innovators, I also have the privilege of maintaining a relatively independent perspective on the broader context. This independence allows me to express my concerns about the emerging “Space Divide”. 

The current strategy of commercializing spaceflight services to affluent private entities, such as NASA’s outsourcing of satellite launches and astronaut transportation to orbital outposts to companies led by billionaires or multi-millionaires, only exacerbates this Space Divide.”

Space exploration often involves great risks. You experienced a surprise “panic test“ during your preparation. Can you share this story and the way you managed to overcome it?

“The first phase of my training involved qualifying for the use of the Russian Space Suit “Orlan”. This was done through tests using its underwater model, where we checked procedures for installing and removing bulky containers of experimental hardware, specifically payload racks weighing a thousand kilograms. These racks were made neutrally buoyant underwater, thanks to Archimedes’ principle, to simulate weightless operational scenarios.

The tests took place inside the submersible model of the Columbus science laboratory, destined for the ISS. I had designed this laboratory for ESA, and it was manufactured and installed in a large water tank where the weightless emulation tests were conducted.

Once you achieve neutral buoyancy in such an underwater suit, which simulates extravehicular activities in outer space, you cannot simply swim around underwater as you would normally. Due to Newton’s laws, an external force is required to reposition yourself in microgravity. When you are in a spacesuit underwater, you need to pull or push yourself using an external hard interface (like a pillar, handle, wall surface, or another person) to exert such an action.

During one experiment, I found myself in the heart of the laboratory, submerged approximately 5 meters underwater, surrounded by payload racks and other hardware elements in a restricted environment with partitioning structures all around. Suddenly, my breathing became laborious, and I began to experience a shortage of air. I had to inhale the remaining oxygen from the full-face mask I was wearing inside the underwater model of my space suit. This action caused the mask to press against my face due to the depressurization resulting from consuming all the available air.

Given the impossibility of swimming out of the submerged laboratory or grabbing anything within reach to propel myself toward the water tank’s surface, my only option was to turn my head toward the nearest TV camera installed by the test supervisors and signal that I was out of air.

Immediately, a safety diver sprang into action from the control room and dove into the tank. He skillfully navigated his way into the submerged laboratory and located me. Then, he dismounted the helmet of my space suit to access my full-face mask and connected a long, air-pressurized emergency umbilical to my emergency air socket, all while I was in a state of hypoxia. He eventually connected the line to the auxiliary socket of my suit’s life support system, and I was finally able to start breathing again. Then, the safety diver gently guided me out of the underwater laboratory toward the test tank’s surface, and we emerged from the water. I took the mask off and was able to resume normal breathing. 

A round of applause from all the technicians and the test supervisor on the tank’s platform greeted me as I surfaced: I had successfully survived a panic test they had planned well in advance, intentionally cut off my air supply to assess my reaction to such a life-threatening situation, of course without telling me in advance…”

Can you share a memorable experience or challenge you faced during a mission?

”This incident occurred during one of the educational weightless flights organized by SpaceLand in Florida. One of the fascinating aspects of humans in the absence of gravity is that our brain thinks and continuously calculates equations of motion with a gravity factor set approximately at 9.81 meters per second squared. 

To demonstrate how things are different in space and for commercial reasons, showcase the physics of exchanging a chocolate candy in absence of gravity, I launched one towards a student who was in 0-G for her first time. Her brain instinctively calculated the candy’s trajectory as if it were moving along a parabolic path , as it would on Earth. However, in the weightless environment, the candy moved in a straight line. Naturally, she missed the catch, opening her hand at the wrong time and in the wrong position, causing the candy to free-float away in the cabin, towards the cockpit of our flight vehicle.

I immediately rushed to retrieve it before its liquid content, cold coffee with chocolate, could spread all over the cabin in weightlessness after impacting something on the way. Regrettably, I forgot that I was in microgravity, i.e., not during an underwater simulation but during an actual weightless flight.

I wrongly pushed my feet against the floor as if I were on the bottom of a water tank. Due to the air in the cabin being almost 1000 times less dense than water, my abrupt movement caused my body to rapidly propel towards the ceiling of the cabin. Within a split second, I found myself colliding with the top panels of the cabin, causing myself quite some discomfort. This entire sequence was captured by the cameras of the Italian State Television, leading to a somewhat embarrassing “space blooper” moment for me in front of all the TV viewers on a Saturday evening, prime time.

The only silver lining of this minor incident was that it well underscored the potential for significant discoveries about our brain functions in a microgravity environment. Subsequently, our SpaceLand group was entrusted with conducting pioneering research studies on our weightless flights, as requested by a Nobel Prize laureate in Medicine. This marked the inception of our ongoing commitment to establishing a permanent privately-funded research program in microgravity. 

Lately, one of our main objectives is starting a research program to analyze all chemical-physical aspects of the human brain to eventually find biomedical or pharmaceutical solutions to counteract neuro-pathologies and enhance brain functionalities. The ultimate goal is to discover how to extend human longevity. This could, in itself, be a transformative outcome of the entire SpaceLand program, serving as a literal “game-changer” in human life extension.”

What advice would you give to individuals who aspire to become space travelers in the future?

“Firstly, keep the Latin motto “mens sana in corpore sano” (a healthy mind in a healthy body) as a guiding principle. I maintain my physical fitness by engaging in sports activities in nature as much as possible. 

Secondly, as Quintilian suggested nearly 2000 years ago, it is crucial to maintain a balance between studies and intense activities by alternating among different subjects, physical and theoretical activities and disciplines. This approach not only diversifies your knowledge but also keeps your learning experience dynamic and engaging, also psycho-physically. 

Lastly, as Einstein also suggested, it is crucial not to chase material things or base your existence on external individuals. Instead, focus on your own project. If you aspire to become a space traveler, choose an intellectual target for such a journey and transform it into a program to implement once you have embarked on a career in space.”

Do you think ELEVATE can help people understand space technology and sustainability better?

“The ELEVATE Conference exemplifies the cross-fertilization that can occur when individuals from diverse backgrounds and sectors are open to listening to each other. As such, the conference can keep on playing a significant role in Monaco’s society. 

I also firmly believe that hands-on human experience remains absolutely indispensable in the microgravity environment of Space, for both ethical (no Space wars, ever) and practical reasons. It is undeniably essential for humans to organize and coordinate such gatherings to discuss space. 

It is equally clear that it will take a considerable amount of time and effort before a computer can acquire all the psychomotorial, neuro-vestibular, proprioceptive, and consciousness-related skills of an ethically sound human being in a weightless environment. 

Therefore, caution is advised when relying too heavily on artificial intelligence in this context, as the HAL computer from the movie “2001: A Space Odyssey” continues to offer important lessons on this matter. 

ELEVATE Monte-Carlo has the potential to become a yearly global reference event, created by humans to bring together humans to discuss the future of humankind. The founder, Zsolt Szemerszky, has showcased all of this, and I eagerly anticipate the next edition of ELEVATE.”

Did you like the audience questions at ELEVATE?

“Indeed, the audience’s questions played a relevant role in expanding the scope of most speeches, including mine. They prompted us to consider aspects such as the philosophical value of microgravity research and planetary exploration, the “Space-engagement” of all sectors of society, and the importance of public outreach for non-space-experts, students, and the general public. 

Besides, the insightful questions posed by the students and teachers of the schools and the University of Monaco showcased the institutions’ high academic standards. This interaction has further fueled my desire to have the SpaceLand network collaborate with them and other related institutions and entities in the Principality, starting, of course, with the ELEVATE Monte-Carlo team!” 

Looking to the future, what are your hopes and aspirations for the next generation of space explorers, and what role do you see yourself and SpaceLand playing in this vision?

“Our Space Democratization initiative has been a fascinating journey, not only from a sociological and techno-scientific perspective but also politically. 

The next generation of Space explorers, and novel entrepreneurs and investors in such sectors could team up with us in Monaco to accelerate the consolidation of all SpaceLand assets and know-how developed over the last 20 years through our pioneering ground and flight campaigns into our network of Spaceports in Europe led by a Center of Excellence for Space Knowledge Economy, which could indeed be established in Monte-Carlo.

Our vision will definitely also cater for the need to bridge what I earlier indicated as “Space Divide” and benefit underprivileged social classes worldwide, in parallel engaging the next generation of Space Explorers. As hinted at, we aim to foster new discoveries in biomedical and clean energy sectors relevant to both human colonies in Space and our planet Earth. 

We see SpaceLand as an instrumental think-tank also to support planetary exploration, the development of construction methods for habitats using local resources in extreme environments like on Mars or in desertic territories on our planet, with major applications for millions of people under the poverty line. 

We will also keep on addressing a myriad of other sectors: from progress in 3-dimensional biomanufacturing and pharmacology to the creation of novel composite alloys and bio-materials thanks to molecular, cellular, protein and crystal growth in zero-gravity. 

Such a microgravity-related virtuous circle will be able to generate multiple game-changing solutions also for eco-friendly hypersonic transportation and satellite launch systems to monitor and protect the global environment as well as to find healthy ways to extend human lifespan.

This multifaceted endeavor could further enhance Monte-Carlo’s reputation as a global innovator, guided by the highest ethical principles. It promises to make a significant and ethically impactful contribution to various business sectors, creating a positive and dynamic ripple effect. 

This initiative presents a history-making opportunity, potentially positioning Monaco once again as a leader on the global stage in a totally new, amazing business.”

SpaceLand prepares people, hardware, experiments for low-G. They also announced at ELEVATE new series of open flight missions in Mars-gravity and Moon-gravity, for the time being still with training and flight operations at NASA KSC in Florida.

“When people conduct microgravity training and flight missions for the SpaceLand program in Lunar-gravity or Mars-gravity conditions, no matter if for biomedical research, technology innovation or simplier for Space-bound educational purposes or tourism at the edge of knowledge, all geo-cultural, religious, generational, gender and skin-color-related barriers fall down, as the last sign of gravity vanishing. 

The ELEVATE Monte-Carlo conference is one of the rare occasions on our gravity-constrained Earth where I have personally felt the same emotions in these troubled times on our beautifully fragile planet, namely working and talking about space and science with people with most diverse backgrounds and socio-economic conditions to pursue together the same objective: facilitate space exploration to both expand human understanding of life in this universe and find practical solutions to ameliorate the quality of life for all, living in peace on this precious planet.”

Read the full and illustrated interview in the Winter 2023 edition of the Living in Monaco, the Monaco Residents’ Magazine.