Vega Rocket
Explore the Vega rocket, ESA’s versatile launch vehicle for deploying satellites and scientific payloads into various orbits.
The complete database of
Italian Spacecraft
Experience Italy’s contributions to space exploration with its spacecraft, blending elegance and efficiency in design.
Italian Space Programs
Italy has a robust space program led by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), which collaborates with various international partners such as the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. Italy’s contributions to space exploration include the development of satellite technology, Earth observation missions, and participation in space research and exploration projects.
Two noteworthy Italian space programs are The Artemis Program and The San Marco Program.
Early Italian Aerospace and Space Efforts
Although the Italian Space Agency (ASI) was officially established in 1988, Italy’s space exploration roots trace back to pioneering work by its scientists since the late 19th century. Visionaries like Giulio Costanzi 🔗, Luigi Gussalli 🔗, and Gaetano Arturo Crocco 🔗 laid the groundwork for astronautics with innovations in propulsion systems, spacecraft designs, and theoretical advances.
Italy’s first major space project, the San Marco program, was a collaboration between the Italian Space Commission and NASA. It began with the launch of Italy’s first satellite, San Marco 1, in 1964 from Wallops Island. Italy also played a foundational role in creating the European Space Agency (ESA) by contributing to its predecessors, the European Launcher Development Organisation (ELDO) and the European Space Research Organisation (ESRO).
All Spacecraft from Italy
Italy has been involved in the development of launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and space exploration technologies. The country’s space industry comprises a network of companies, research institutions, and universities dedicated to advancing space science and technology. Overall, Italy’s space programs reflect its commitment to scientific research, technological innovation, and international collaboration in the exploration and utilization of space.
Huygens Probe
Explore the Huygens Probe, a pioneering ESA mission to Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, and its design, objectives, achievements, and legacy.
San Marco 1 Satellite
San Marco 1 was Italy’s first satellite and marked a historic milestone in its space exploration efforts. It was launched in 1964.
BeppoSAX Satellite
BeppoSAX was an Italian–Dutch satellite dedicated to X-ray astronomy, particularly gamma-ray bursts (GRBs).
AGILE Satellite
AGILE (Astro-Rivelatore Gamma a Immagini LEggero) was an Italian X-ray and gamma-ray astronomical satellite launched in 2007.