Impact of the space sector, conference at the embassy in Prague

(ANSA) - ROMA, 12 SET - The effects of activities in the space sector were the focus of the conference 'The New Space: a game changer for Europe' organised today by the Italian Embassy in Prague. A sector - recalled the diplomatic representation - in "constant development and transformation that, thanks to the involvement of companies and private investors, is having a significant impact on the world economy, with an estimated value of $1. 8 trillion by 2035, compared to $630 billion in 2023".
    A growth faster than that of the world GDP that 'represents a unique opportunity for the development of the European Union and for strengthening the dialogue between international partners'. Coordinated by the Deputy Head of Mission, Laura Calligaro, the topics related to New Space - explained the embassy - were discussed in depth by the mission's Space Attaché, Maria Cristina Falvella ("The evolution of the space sector: a global challenge"), by the Head of Cabinet of the Executive Director of the EU Agency for the Space Programme - EUSPA, Christina Giannopapa ("The role of EUSPA") and by the Head of Space Activities of the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Kobera ("Building space cooperation in Europe").
    The speeches - underlined by the embassy - highlighted "the scientific, technological, economic and strategic relevance of space activities for Italy and the Czech Republic in the European context, highlighting the importance of the participation of private players in space activities, as well as the commitment of Italy, which has always been at the forefront in the space sector both in the implementation of autonomous projects and in European and international collaborations". As part of the initiative, and to promote the International Astronautical Congress 2024, which will be held in Milan from 14 to 18 October 2024, the exhibition 'The Italian Spaceway' was also set up in the embassy's stables. It was realised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI), with the contribution of the Italian Trade & Investment Agency (ICE). The exhibition - which briefly recounts some of the crucial stages that have allowed our country to be among the few in the world to cover the entire space value chain - will remain open to the public until the end of September, subject to prior booking.