The space sector is an extraordinary driver of technology innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth for the country.
In this field too, Italy confirms the excellence of its know-how, thanks to leading companies, numerous highly innovative startups and SMEs, as well as solid participation in major European and international programmes, such as Copernicus and Galileo.
Space is also a central component of our foreign policy and growth diplomacy.
Within the framework of the Export Pact, the goal is the complete internationalization of the Italian space supply chain, which excels in key sectors such as the production of satellites and habitation modules, launch services, space engineering, cybersecurity, and satellite data analysis.
The European dimension remains fundamental to supporting the future of innovation and growth. Italy, a founding member of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the third-largest funder of its activities, will host the next Ministerial Meeting in 2028.
The new space economy industry is taking on an increasingly strategic role, also for its implications for security, technological autonomy, and the protection of critical infrastructure.
As early as the Cold War, at the height of the so-called “Space Race,” Italy distinguished itself as the third country, after the Soviet Union and the United States, to launch its own satellite: on December 15, 1964, San Marco 1, the fruit of the work of a team led by engineer Luigi Broglio, took off from the Wallops base. To commemorate that feat, starting in 2021, National Space Day is celebrated on December 16.
Through the Malindi space centre in Kenya, dedicated to Luigi Broglio, Italy is preparing to become a hub of reference for Africa’s education and growth.