Space Foundation News


Space Foundation Partners with Embassy of Italy for Italian National Space Day 2022

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Dec. 8, 2022 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit advocate organization founded in 1983 for the global space ecosystem, today announced that its Space Commerce Institute is partnering with the Embassy of Italy in Washington D.C., Italian Trade Agency (ITA), Italian Space Agency (ASI), U.S. Chamber of Commerce and George Washington University for the first U.S.-based Italian National Space Day 2022. The event will take place Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. EST, at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, D.C.  

As one of the strongest space sector pioneers, with a specific sectoral GDP of over $13 billion in 2021, Italy is a key member of the European Space Agency, has trained several Italian astronauts, ismoving forward with the construction of Western Europe’s first-of-its-kind spaceport in Apulia, and is at the forefront of innovation. Italy holds an exclusive status as one of the only countries with full space supply chain.   

“Italy is a trusted, key partner of the U.S. on space,” said Mariangela Zappia, ambassador of Italy to the U.S. “Italy is the first major European nation to have signed a bilateral agreement with NASA and is the first EU country that decided to participate in the Artemis Accords. A historic cooperation on the International Space Station and in many exploration and research projects, in loworbit and beyond, prove the value of Italian technological solutions, manufacturing and expertise.” 

Tom Zelibor, CEO of Space Foundation, remarked, “There are no limits to the reach and opportunity of today’s global space economy. The Italian space community has already shown itself to be a forward-leaning leader in technology development and enterprise creation. Theirs is a story that deserves more recognition, especially with the doors it is opening.” 

Members of the media are welcome to attend the afternoon event starting at 2 p.m. During this time, the Embassy will host a workshop on U.S. space opportunities for Italian companies to highlight U.S. and Italian investments, venture capital, and industrial cooperation in the space sector.  

Kevin O’Connell, founder and CEO of Space Economy Rising, will deliver the keynote address which will be followed by two panels moderated by Kedis Ogborn. The Italian National Space Day will end with a reception. Ambassador Zappia and Executive Secretary of the National Space Council Chirag Parikh, will deliver remarks at 5:30 p.m. 

Inquiries about covering the event or media interviews can be sent to [email protected] or [email protected] 

The event will take place at the Embassy of Italy to the U.S., located at 3000 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington D.C. 

To register for the event, visit whova.com/registration/nisd. 

About the Embassy of Italy to the United States 

 The Embassy of Italy to the United States is based in Washington D.C. It is the largest Italian bilateral embassy worldwide. The Chief of Mission is Ambassador Mariangela Zappia. The Embassy officially represents Italy in the United States of America. It thus promotes the interests of Italy and Italian citizens in the U.S. and promotes the strengthening of the extraordinary alliance and partnership between Italy and the U.S. in all fields, including business, culture, science and technology. The Embassy coordinates a network of 9 Consulates, 5 Cultural Institutes, 5 Italian Trade Agency offices, and 2 Italian Tourist Board offices. The staff of the embassy based in various offices is composed of personnel from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and from other Italian ministries and public entities. Through its Consular section, the Embassy of Italy in Washington also offers a host of consular services to Italian and non-Italian citizens living within its jurisdiction. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

About Space Commerce Institute 

Space Commerce Institute is a program offered by Center for Innovation and Education to facilitate access and growth for university students, entrepreneurs, businesses and professionals in the global space ecosystem. The program offers four distinct pillars of service, each designed at various levels to support specialized needs throughout phases of growth: Space Foundation University, Professional Development, Consulting Services, and Specialized Programming. To learn more about Space Commerce Institute, visit www.spacefoundation.org/sci. 

About Center for Innovation and Education 

Center for Innovation and Education, a division of Space Foundation, is a lifelong learning provider for the global space ecosystem that offers workforce development and economic opportunity for pre-K-12 and university students, teachers, entrepreneurs, businesses and space professionals.   Programs and resources are delivered in person or virtually around the globe. Through its Workforce Development Roadmap of programs and resources, Center for Innovation and Education enhances the outlook and opportunities for careers, jobs and business ventures. To learn more about Center for Innovation and Education, please visit www.spacefoundation.org/cie, and  visit www.discoverspace.org to learn more about Space Foundation Discovery Center. 

 About Space Foundation 

Space Foundation is a nonprofit advocate organization founded in 1983, offering a gateway to information, education and collaboration for space exploration and space-to-Earth industries that define the global space ecosystem. Driven by a partnership model, Space Foundation operates three divisions that unite the entire spectrum of stakeholders — business, government, education and local communities — through corporate membership, sponsorship, fundraising and grants. Symposium 365 is the premier source for media and events, including the world-renowned Space Symposium and The Space Report. Center for Innovation and Education is a lifelong learning provider. Global Alliance facilitates collaboration around the world. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.   

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Tags: Space Foundation, Space Commerce Institute, Center for Innovation and Education, Embassy of Italy, Italian Trade Agency, Italian Space Agency, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, George Washington University, Italian National Space Day 2022, space economy, space technology, space innovation, space ecosystem, space advocate, space commerce, space exploration, space-inspired industries 

Media Contacts: 

Rich Cooper
Vice President, Strategic Communications & Outreach
Space Foundation
(202) 596-0714
[email protected] 

Marco Landolfi
Spokesperson, Head of the Press Office
Embassy of Italy to the U.S.
(202) 612-4478
[email protected]
[email protected]  

Dottie O’Rourke
TECHMarket Communications
(650) 344-1260
[email protected]  


Posted in Space Foundation News