Italy is a long-standing partner of the United States in the field of space activities, with over 50 years of close collaboration on deep-space probes, satellites and orbiting platforms, and last, but not least, cooperation on the International Space Station. The ISS represents a unique example of a peaceful alliance on a global scale devoted to scientific research in microgravity, which over time has hosted several Italian astronauts, and which uses pressurized logistic modules and cargo largely built in Italy, the result of technological excellence acquired over time.
In recent years, Italy has intensified its collaboration on human and robotic deep space exploration in the context of a permanent return to the lunar surface, exploration of Mars, and beyond. This joint effort is carried out with the United States and partners in the European Space Agency (ESA) that are all aware of the positive effects of the New Space Economy, the commercialization of aerospace-derived products and services, and the active involvement of private players, as well as the scientific and technological importance of research in outer space.
The presence of a Space Attaché, within the framework of Economic, Commercial and Scientific Affairs Office, has enabled the signing of important agreements, including: the Bilateral Framework Protocol on the Promotion and Development of Collaboration in the Space Sector (2013); the Memorandum of Understanding between NASA and ASI on the use of COSMO-SkyMed satellites (2015); the Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Aviation Administration, the Ente Nazionale Aviazione Civile and the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana on Commercial Space Transportation (2016); the Agreement between Angel Group and Virgin Galactic on space transport (2018); the Agreement on Suborbital Flights between Virgin Galactic and the Italian Air Force (2019); the Joint Declaration between Italy and the United States on Human Space Exploration, followed by the signing of the ‘Artemis Accords’ with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) aimed at returning to the surface of the Moon (2020). Promotional events in the space and aerospace sector are also organized on a regular basis with public institutions, space agencies, companies, and the academic sector.
In order to strengthen Italy’s international action and cooperation in the strategic sector of space, and with particular reference to the U.S. market, the Space Attaché is charged with ensuring more effective contacts between agencies, private entities, companies, and institutions in the field of space and aerospace; of organizing events that enhance bilateral and international collaboration; of gaining deeper insight, through reports and analyses, into the developments of U.S. space policy; of promoting Italian companies in the sector in the U.S., and of fostering U.S. company collaboration in Italy, also through intergovernmental agreements, commercial missions, fairs, events and joint projects; and of enhancing bilateral scientific and academic collaboration in the space and aerospace sector.
The position of Space Attaché was created at the Italian Embassy in Washington on December 23, 2011, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Italian Space Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The Space Attaché is tasked with ensuring more effective contact among agencies, private entities, companies and institutions in the field of space and aerospace; of organizing events that enhance bilateral and international collaboration; of gaining deeper insight, through reports and analyses, into the developments of U.S. space policy; of promoting Italian companies in the sector in the U.S., and of fostering U.S. company collaboration in Italy, also through intergovernmental agreements, commercial missions, fairs, events and joint projects; and of enhancing bilateral scientific and academic collaboration in the space and aerospace sector.
Since 2022, the Embassy’s Space Attaché has been Italian Air Force Colonel Aniello Violetti.