iator of Italy in Malta, Fabrizio Romano, and the CEO of Xjenza Malta, Silvio Scerri, express their great satisfaction for the "Showcasing Maltese and Italian Space Journeys" event, jointly organised and focused on the space journeys of the two countries.
The event, organised as part of the Italian Space Day celebrations, was an opportunity to reflect on the significant contribution that Italy and Malta have made - and continue to make - to space exploration and research.
Italy is a key player in international space research and missions, starting with developments related to the International Space Station (ISS) and innovative projects through the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and its industrial and scientific partners.
As an emerging player, Malta has taken significant steps in space policy, research and innovation. Through the new government agency, Xjenza Malta, the country continues to develop its space-related knowledge and capabilities, promoting collaboration with international partners and supporting the growing interest in space technology, satellite communications and environmental monitoring. In this sense, 2024 was a pivotal year for Malta, thanks to the launch of the European Space Agency's PECS programme, the strengthening of relations with the EU Space Agency and the country's accession to the International Astronomical Federation.
"With this event we celebrate with our Maltese friends the first 60 years of Italy in Space," said Ambassador Romano. "Indeed, since the launch of the first Italian satellite, San Marco 1, in 1964, Italy has continued to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to space exploration and the development of cutting-edge technologies. Today, we not only celebrate past successes, but also look to the future of cooperation with an important EU partner like Malta, knowing that our bilateral collaboration can have a significant impact on the regional and global challenges of the coming decades."
"Malta is proud of the development of its role in the international space community," said Xjenza Malta CEO Silvio Scerri. "As we continue to strengthen our partnership with the European Space Agency, EU institutions and private sector innovators, there is a significant commitment to support the emergence of a local space ecosystem that can compete internationally."
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