The second edition of the “Italo-Maltese Journey to Space” jointly organised by Xjenza Malta and the Italian Embassy to Malta, was held in style at the Esplora Planetarium Hall on 4 December, in an evening that brought together the full spectrum of the space community. Diplomats, government representatives, senior officials from the Italian Embassy and Xjenza Malta, leaders from academia and industry, innovators, students and the media convened for what proved to be a flagship occasion for bilateral cooperation in Space.
The Italian Space Day, celebrated every year on December 16, is an event dedicated to highlighting Italy’s role in space activities, scientific research, and technological applications related to space. Established in 2021 by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI), the day commemorates the launch of Italy’s first satellite, San Marco 1, on December 15, 1964. This was a historic achievement that made Italy the third country in the world to place its own satellite into orbit, after the Soviet Union and the United States.
From the outset, the atmosphere during the second edition of the “Italo-Maltese Journey to Space” was one of high-level engagement. The programme set out how Space now underpins communications, navigation, financial services, security and high-tech solutions that touch daily life, while making the case for deeper practical collaboration between Italy and Malta. Discussions focussed on accelerating research into services that reach users, broadening awareness of satellite data across public administration and business, and ensuring that capabilities are interoperable and future-proof.
Dr Tonio Portughese, Chairman of the Consultative Committee at Xjenza Malta, highlighted the significance of sustained investment and alignment with European priorities. Her Excellency Ambassador Valentina Setta and Dr Simona Zoffoli, Head of Earth Observation at the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, underlined the shared Mediterranean context and the scope for practical cooperation on climate adaptation, water management, marine ecology, emergency response and security. The presence of senior officials from both countries reinforced the event’s standing as a premier gathering for stakeholders spanning the Space policy, technology, funding and outreach spectrum.
Ambassador Setta explained that the Italian Space Day aims to increase public awareness of the importance of Space activities not only for scientific progress but also for everyday life, with Space technologies supporting weather forecasting, telecommunications, environmental monitoring, emergency management, satellite navigation, and security amongst others. Ambassador Setta further underscored how Italy plays a leading role in many of these areas thanks to the collaboration between institutions, universities, research centers, and the aerospace industry, an industrial sector that stands as a national excellence in both innovation and exports
Dr Simona Zoffoli, Head of Earth Observation, at the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI), delivered a presentation illustrating the diverse applications of earth observation activities. Dr Zoffoli remarked that earth observation is a strategic resource to address global challenges and develop innovative solutions. Italy and Malta share the opportunity to collaborate in transforming earth observation space data into tangible benefits for society.
Dr James Catania, Director of the Space Programmes and Engagement Unit at Xjenza Malta, outlined the consolidation of Malta’s space capability and the Unit’s remit, emphasising delivery, proportionate governance and partnerships with Italian counterparts. Dr Catania presented Space Park Malta as the anchor for international collaboration and a visible commitment to quality and openness. The Park will host facilities for research and development, an incubator and accelerator for downstream services, and Esplora Space as the public-facing outreach arm. Residency opportunities will welcome visiting researchers and students, with access to radio and optical instrumentation and an academic library. A national data hub will support Government, industry and academia while enabling cooperation with foreign partners.
The evening closed with a clear signal of intent. Italy and Malta will deepen collaboration that is concrete, timely and oriented to outcomes, ensuring that the benefits of space flow to citizens and industry. Space Park Malta will serve as the platform to translate this ambition into sustained programmes, joint projects and opportunities for talent, positioning Malta as a credible partner of scale in relation to its size and a committed contributor to Europe’s space endeavour.
