Italian astronauts Samantha Cristoforetti and Luca Parmitano were guests of honour at “Italy and Space”, the event organised in Vienna by Italy’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. The event was organised with the support of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the collaboration of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), the Italian Air Force and the European Space Agency (ESA).
Human spaceflight: outlook, opportunities and benefits for development on earth
The meeting, which took place during the 57th session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), was dedicated to the outlook, opportunities and benefits for development on earth. Cristoforetti gave a presentation on her “Futura” mission on the International Space Station. And Parmitano announced to this international audience his role as “Ambassador” during the forthcoming Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The success of the event was a further illustration of Italy’s advanced role in the space sector. A role, as Ambassador Filippo Formica, Permanent Representative and head of the Italian COPUOS delegation, observed, “that bears witness to Italy’s skill and technological excellence. Our country is present here too, and taking a leading role, in the international organisations in Vienna, where high-technology plays a role of the utmost significance”.
