From 16 to 18 December, Fiera Roma hosted the sixth edition of New Space Economy (NSE) Expoforum, an event of reference for the space sector, organised in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI). The event involved the Air Force, as well as the main players in the space sector including companies, startups, research bodies and young professionals to discuss the challenges and opportunities offered by Economy of Space, under the theme “Our Future, Our Daily Life”.
Under the patronage, among others, of Ministry of Defence, the NSE provided the Italian Air Force with an opportunity to actively contribute to the debate, making its expertise available to participants, developed through its role as a catalyst for human spaceflight activities, a natural extension of its domain.
The 2024 edition coincided with the National Space Day. Italy's journey into space actually began with the Air Force General Luigi Broglio and the historic San Marco programme, which positioned the nation as a pioneer in space exploration. Building on this legacy, the Air Force has consistently embraced cutting-edge research, fostering advancements in aerospace capabilities to meet the challenges of national defence and technological innovation. From pioneering studies in physiology to the utilisation of advanced operational technologies, the Air Force has been a constant force in shaping the future of exploration and’Space innovation.
During the three-day Forum, the Italian Air Force showcased an exhibition space filled with activities designed to offer participants a unique and immersive experience. Through virtual reality and simulators, as well as the organisation of short conferences primarily aimed at young students, the personnel of the "Arma Azzurra" (Blue Force, a nickname for the Air Force) presented the various professions and technologies that make the Italian Air Force a leading player in space operations.
main star of the second day of New Space Economy Euroforum in Rome it was the’Italian Air Force Astronaut, Colonel Walter Villadei, who took part in the Axiom Space Mission Ax-3.
Colonel Villadei He met with the students present, answering the many questions from girls and boys who were able to learn more about the activities and routine of an astronaut.
Supported by Colonel Daniele Mocio, An exceptional presenter, the Astronaut recounted, through videos and amusing anecdotes and answering all questions and curiosities, how important space exploration is for the benefits it can have on our daily lives; he also stressed the importance of experiments which are being conducted and are of interest to the entire scientific community; of the skills social and relational skills that are fundamental for interacting with other crew members, considered as an international family for the duration of the mission; of the importance of these missions for the international cooperation; and of’Emotion, finally, when looking out from the dome of the International Space Station e admire the Earth from space.
Within the scope of the Conferences aimed at students and industry professionals, the Lieutenant Colonel Daniela Benvenuti, Head of the first Communication Policies section of the Communication Strategies Office, who outlined the tasks of the Air Force and the professional opportunities offered, highlighting to the young participants the need to make a conscious professional choice for their future, in order to understand the training pathways and career developments. Specifically, T.Col. Benvenuti explained that the Blue Army, as a primary player in the aerospace dimension, is called upon to operate in very diverse contexts, both in Italy and abroad, with specific skills and profiles such as flight, engineering, medicine, IT and artificial intelligence, including in cyberspace, as well as the legal and administrative areas. “Raise your worth” is the slogan that will accompany the Italian Air Force's recruitment campaign for 2025.
Another very interesting topic, particularly for young people, was that of Meteorology. The Lieutenant Colonel Angela Celozzi, Head of the second Interministerial/Inter-agency Cooperation section of the Meteorology Office, recounted the technological progress in forecasting and the extended atmosphere: the frontier of Space weather. Lo Space Weather, Space Meteorology, explained Lt Col Celozzi, is the discipline that studies physical phenomena in space, mainly of solar origin, capable of generating significant impacts on crews and technological systems.
The series of meetings with students was closed by Captain Marco Rigamonti, Head of the Laboratories and Development section of the Aerospace Engineering Group, who focused on the challenges in the space domain and explained how the Economy of Space breaking new ground for space access through technological innovation and new private actors.
It New Space Economy Expoforum 2024 He therefore emphasised the importance of Italy's role in the new space economy and how the Air Force, in line with the political directions of the National Summit and the Ministry of Defence, considers it essential to promote and pursue synergies with the national industry and research world, both scientific and technological, with a view to supporting the country's competitiveness and fostering technological innovation, also for national security purposes.
