Italian Space Agency
Profile and activities
ASI, the Italian Space Agency, was established in 1988 as a national authority with the task of drawing up and enacting Italian space policy in compliance with governmental guidelines.
Global role and
international collaborations
The Agency has established itself as one of the world’s foremost players in space science, satellite technology and the development of vehicles for exploring the cosmos. Today, ASI is a leader at the European and global levels. It has a close collaborative relationship with NASA, and has participated in many of the most interesting scientific missions of recent years. One such project was the construction and operation of the International Space Station, which is currently home to a number of Italian astronauts.
Thanks to the work of ASI, the Italian scientific community has achieved unprecedented successes in the fields of astrophysics and cosmology. In addition to studying the Universe, the Earth can be observed from Space to monitor and take preventive action against environmental disasters, provide rapid response in crisis areas and measure the effects of climate change, among others. Italy is also at the forefront in these fields with systems like COSMO-SkyMed and PRISMA.
Space Science Data Center Rome
The ASI Space Science Data Center (SSDC) is a multi-mission, multi-length, and multi-messenger research infrastructure. SSDC is engaged in conducting science operations and processing, storing and data distribution, with a view to providing support for space science missions in which Italy is a partner.
The Center was established in late 2016 resting on the legacy of the ASI Science Data Center (ASDC), which in 2000 was built on the experience of the BeppoSAX Science Data Center from the 1990s.
Operational centers
ASI space center in Matera
ASI’s Space Center was established in 1983 in Matera, in the Murgia Terlecchia area, thanks to the joint effort of the CNR National Space Plan (succeeded in 1988 by the Italian Space Agency) and the Basilicata Region. The CGS is ASI’s main operational center.
‘Luigi Broglio’ space center Malindi
The Center was initially managed by “Sapienza” University of Rome through the San Marco Project Research Center (CRSPM). Being located below the equator line on the coast of the Indian Ocean, the Center is ideal for both launches and ground-based satellite control activities. The Center is comprised a Sea Segment, which is its main offshore launch site, and a Land Segment, represented by the communications ground station on the mainland..
Sardinia Deep Space Antenna
The Center provides support services for interplanetary and moon missions and also promotes the development of radio science activities.
The Sardinia Deep Space Antenna (SDSA) shares part of the infrastructure of the Sardinia Radio Telescope (SRT) but also has its own equipment and a dedicated control center to ensure communication with spacecraft. Built by the Italian National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF) in partnership with the Italian Space Agency, the Region Sardinia and the Ministry of University and Research, the SRT focuses on radio astronomy and is operated by INAF.
Cultural significance and the future of space
From fundamental questions about understanding the Universe and the origins of life to the development of new technologies, space today stands more than ever as the starting point for expanding human cultural horizons, raising awareness, and ensuring a better future on Earth. Thanks to ASI, Italy is at the forefront of this exemplary human endeavor.