Space, ASI in Farnborough to affirm Italy’s key role in ESA

“This year too theItalian Space Agency wanted to be present at Farnborough because we believe it is important at this moment to affirm, even in contexts that have an especially continental European value, the presence and leadership role ofBUT within the European system, of ESAbut also as an agency with its own characteristics, its own national programs, the result of bilateral agreements”.AGI Annamaria Monterisicommunications director ofBUTinside a brand new stand dedicated to the agency’s activities.

“This year the particular meaning of our presence is also linked to what is happening in the area ESAwhich will see us host, in mid-December, a Romathe intermediate ministerial council ofESA – advice dedicated to the topics ofexploration and therefore to the role that all of us, as Europeans and as Italywe have in designing the new European strategy on the matter”. A strategy that already has specific characteristics and directions.

The priority for the European continent

“The priority for the European continent is to provide itself, in the coming years, with access to space truly effective and effective” and “throwing ability that make us increasingly autonomous compared to other systems, national or private, strengthening skills that in Europa are already very important.”Italiain this, is at the forefront because “can count are Marriedwhich produces launchers Vega Ca fundamental resource forEuropa at this stage. However, at the moment we do not have other means: some are under development, others will probably have to be designed. For this reason the role ofItalia within the European access strategy space must be strengthened. Our presence here at the show Farnborough it is also linked to this”, adds Monterisi.

The constellation Iris together with ESA

I projects Of BUT they don’t stop there. “In the stand we show a little of all the large supply chains in which we are present at a national and global level”, he explains. “One of the areas of more traditional competencesItalia it is that ofspace observation through satellite systems. In this sector, together with theESA and thanks also to the funds of PNRRwe are completing the creation of the constellation Irisan observation system of Terra which will be available above all to public administrations, but also to private operators”.

To this day, remember, “31 satellites have already been launchedall operational. Approximately half of the constellation is therefore already in orbit, while the other satellites, developed together withESAwill be launched in the coming months. This means that theItalia it is equipping itself with a further fundamental element and specific expertise which is also in great demand abroad. Our capabilities inEarth observation they are in fact recognized by numerous countries and we collaborate with various international administrations precisely in this area”, he remarks atAGI.

Observation of planet Earth

L’Earth observation it is, furthermore, “one of the most advanced sectors of the space industry, because it allows us to monitor the planet, contribute to the ‘prevention’ of natural risks, observe the evolution of the climate, monitor the state of the seas, coasts and infrastructures and also support the agricultural sector”. In the background there is still satisfaction with the astronaut’s participation Luca Parmitano to the mission Artemis IIIscheduled for 2027.”Pride it’s immense. A few days after the extremely premature death of our president, Professor ValenteI want to remember the effort that was made byAgencyby him personally and together with the Government, to consolidate our activities and bilateral agreements with the NASA. L’Italia is a full member ofESA and is its third contributor. If today Luca Parmitano he will be the pilot of the mission Artemis IIIthe credit goes to the joint effort of the national institutions, to Luca’s extraordinary skills, also recognized by the NASA. Parmitano works at Houstonknows perfectly theAmerican agency and most of his fellow astronauts. Then there is the ability ofESA to network and create critical mass among member countries. But, at the same time, I think we can say that, at this moment, theItalian pride it’s huge,” he concludes.