On the occasion of the Italy’s First National Space Day, the Embassy of Italy in Washington organized a virtual event on “US-Italy Cooperation on Space Exploration and Exploitation” to promote bilateral cooperation in the field of space.
“Today, space is one of the most effective drivers of economic growth, and innovation is the key to maintaining and strengthening competitiveness” commented Ambassador Zappia. “Italy has always been one of the main players in the field worldwide, boasting not only a long space tradition, but also a complete supply-chain of products and services that has led our industry to develop invaluable expertise and quality” the Ambassador continued, also noting that “our bond with the US in the sector is truly special. Just think of the International Space Station” and that “All our industries’ exceptional achievements are the result of a constant collaboration between our space agencies – ASI [Italian Space Agency] and NASA – and of a continuous dialogue between our governments”.
To conclude, the Ambassador noted that “Following the signing of the Artemis Agreements, Italy and the United States have reinforced bilateral and multilateral cooperation for the exploration and exploitation of space”.
Karen Feldstein, Associate Administrator for International and Interagency Relations at NASA, and Gabriella Arrigo, Director of International Relations at the Italian Space Agency, participated in the event, underlining the crucial and longstanding importance of cooperation between Italy and the United States in the space sector.
A panel discussion moderated by Jennifer DiMascio, Executive Editor of Aviation Week and Space Technology magazine, followed the opening remarks. Attendees included Jacki Cortese, Government Relations Manager of Blue Origin; Mary Lynne Dittmar, Executive VP of Government Affairs of Axiom; Marshall Smith, Senior Vice President of Nanoracks; Ettore Scardecchia, Chief Engineer of Avio; Roberto Provera, Director of New Initiatives and Innovation of Thales Alenia Space; and David Avino, CEO of Argotec.
The debate focused on industrial strategies in connection with the new lunar exploration program, the importance of LEO systems to support the development of technologies necessary for deep-space exploration and catalyst for commercial space activities, as well as on the role of start-ups.
