COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem, today announced that its Space Commerce Institute is partnering with Embassy of Italy to the United States and Italian Trade Agency of Houston (ITA) to launch Spazio, a monthly series that will highlight Italy’s enduring role in the space ecosystem and facilitate pathways for broader U.S. partnership.
Starting in May and leading up to Italian National Space Day in December, Spazio will showcase Italy’s contributions and innovative solutions to building the future of space. This virtual web series will be hosted live on LinkedIn by Space Foundation Vice President of Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship Kelli Kedis Ogborn and feature Italian space companies and industry experts. Episodes will also be available on the ITA’s website at https://itahouston.com/italianspace/spazio2023/.
“Italy is among the few visionary nations with a strong, enduring tradition in space. Our country boasts a wide offer of services and products along the whole value chain of the industry. In space, as in many other sectors, Italy and the U.S. are trusted, close partners,” said Mariangela Zappia, ambassador of Italy to the U.S. “Today, we’re glad to tell the inspiring story of the Italian space industry and of its cooperation with the U.S. through this web series that will accompany us to the next Italian National Space Day.”
“Italy’s stature and importance to the global space ecosystem is strong and enduring. From satellites to the space shuttle, research conducted on the ISS, and human spaceflight and exploration, Italy’s contributions continue to make their mark. I am excited to help share their stories and technologies paving the way for our future,” said Ogborn.
As one of the largest manufacturing countries in the world, the Italian aerospace industry plays a leading role in both the national and international economy, contributing around $13 billion euros in revenue and employing more than 64,000 workers.
The series will begin May 18, 2023, with “The Beginning of Italy in Space” that will focus on Italy’s heritage in space — from San Marco I to the present with Italy’s prominent aerospace players.
Episode Topics and Dates
May 18: The Beginning of Italy in Space
June 22: NASA – ASI Partnership
July 20: Italian New Space
August 26: Cluster and Innovation Hubs
September 12: Building the Future of Space Together
October 19: Grottaglie, the Italian Spaceport
November 21: Italian National Space Day
December 14: Italian Space — Year in Review
“This series is a natural and fortunate evolution of the collaboration with Space Foundation, which in the last three years has grown with profit and mutual esteem until giving birth to this first joint project. The equally primary purpose of the series is to be able to present the Italian aerospace sector to the American audience in a way that could not be possible through standard participation in trade fairs and/or industry events,” said Fabrizio Giustarini, trade commissioner of ITA Houston Office.
About the Italian Trade Agency
ITA – Italian Trade Agency is the governmental agency that helps the business development of Italian companies abroad and promotes the attraction of foreign investment in Italy. Its activities are part of the Official Mission of Italy to the United States and are supported by the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With a worldwide network of 79 offices in 65 countries (five in USA), ITA provides information, assistance, consulting, promotion and training to Italian small and medium-sized businesses to assert the excellence of “Made in Italy” in the world. The Houston office, which has organized the Italian presence at OTC, mainly oversees the following industrial sectors: aerospace, agricultural machinery and equipment, construction and earthmoving equipment, glass working equipment, oil and gas, textile machinery, woodworking equipment, and jewelry.
About Space Commerce Institute
Space Commerce Institute, established in 2022 by Space Foundation’s Center for Innovation and Education, is dedicated to opening and expanding opportunities to connect with the most dynamic economy in the world through information, experience, training, mentorship, and consultancy. With jobs, services, and markets forecasted for considerable growth, Space Commerce Institute allows participants to learn from experts who have perfected what it takes to navigate the evolving mandates from concept to creation and grow businesses in the global space economy. Capitalizing on four decades of advocacy for the space community and leveraging Space Foundation’s unparalleled global network of space leaders, Space Commerce Institute provides accessible, actionable, tangible, and targeted programming to bridge the knowledge gap and move participants swiftly towards their goals. To learn more about Space Commerce Institute, visit: https://cie.spacefoundation.org/space-commerce-institute-home/.
About Center for Innovation and Education
Center for Innovation and Education is a lifelong learning provider for the global space ecosystem, offering workforce development and economic opportunity via Space Commerce Institute and Space Foundation Discovery Center. Serving pre-K-12 and university students, teachers, entrepreneurs, businesses and professionals, programs and resources are delivered in person or online around the globe. Through its Workforce Development Roadmap of programs and resources, Center for Innovation and Education enhances the outlook and opportunities for careers, jobs and business ventures. To learn more about Center for Innovation and Education, visit www.spacefoundation.org/cie, and Space Foundation Discovery Center, visit www.discoverspace.org.https://scienceriot.ticketleap.com/science-riot-at-the-space-foundation
About Space Foundation
Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem. Driven by partnerships, Space Foundation unites the entire spectrum of stakeholders — business, government, education and local communities — through support from corporate members, sponsors, fundraising and grants. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
