Rome, December 11 – The 7th edition of the New Space Economy Expoforum, a premier event in the space industry, commenced in Rome, showcasing a convergence of philosophical vision, scientific analysis, and industrial strategy. Organized by Fiera Roma in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and with the participation of the Lazio Region and the Rome Chamber of Commerce, the forum is scheduled to run until Friday.
Italy’s Space Industry on Full Display
The exhibition halls host the entirety of the Italian space industry, ranging from major aerospace entities to innovative technological players. Attendees can observe a wide array of prototypes, advanced systems, cutting-edge hardware and software solutions, as well as rockets, parachutes, satellites, launch pads, rovers, and robots.
The showcased offerings span various critical areas, including propulsion systems, microsatellites, Earth observation technologies, autonomous robotics, and advanced solutions for lunar missions and downstream services. This comprehensive display provides a glimpse into Italy’s contributions to low, medium, and deep orbits, featuring research, market-ready technologies, and novel concepts that are shaping the future of the space economy.
Global Collaboration and Recognition
Augusto Cramarossa, Head of Strategic Coordination at ASI, emphasized Italy’s robust history in space exploration. “Our history in space is solid,” Cramarossa stated, highlighting collaborations with the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, and noting the consistent presence of Italian astronauts in these organizations as a testament to the nation’s achievements and the strength of its space ecosystem.
The opening day underscored the Expoforum’s global profile, marked by the presence of Tidiane Ouattara, President of the African Space Agency (AFSA). Ouattara stressed the agency’s perspective: “We look to space as a driver of development and future scientific missions.”
Lazio Region’s Innovative Ecosystem
The industrial prowess of the Lazio region is prominently featured through a collective exhibit encompassing over thirty highly innovative entities. This regional ecosystem showcases advancements in microsatellite engineering, autonomous robotics, space-grade electronics, advanced propulsion systems, cybersecurity, and Earth observation. A significant announcement made during the evening confirmed that the Metropolitan City of Rome, following a decision by the European Council of Mayors of CVA (Communauté des Vega et Ariane), will serve as the European Space Capital in 2026.
Academic Contributions and Interactive Experiences
Sapienza University is well-represented at the forum by four teams from SASA (Sapienza Aerospace Student Association), a student cultural association dedicated to promoting aerospace culture. These include the Flight Team, working on a competitive quadcopter; the Space Team, developing atmospheric probes; the Technology Team, focused on a Martian rover prototype; and the Rocket Team, comprising 180 students capable of independently constructing small solid-propellant sounding rockets.
The Italian Air Force is also participating, offering flight simulators and advanced instrumentation. An interactive area is dedicated to professionals and businesses, providing an opportunity to engage in team building and strategic visualization through the Lego methodology, with demonstrative sessions where ideas and projects materialize in 3D.
The event underscores Italy’s commitment to advancing space technology and fostering international collaboration, positioning the nation as a key player in the evolving global space economy.
Source: roma.corriere.it
