Showcasing Maltese And Italian Space Journeys: A Collaborative Celebration At Xjenza Malta
A joint event, organised by Xjenza Malta and the Embassy of the Republic of Italy to Malta, titled Maltese and Italian Space Journeys was held on the 10th December, at the Esplora Planetarium Hall in Kalkara.
Organised as part of the Italian Space Day celebrations, the event highlighted the significant contributions of both Italy and Malta to space exploration and research.
The CEO of Xjenza Malta, Silvio Scerri, and the Ambassador of Italy in Malta, Fabrizio Romano, expressed their satisfaction with the collaborative event, which celebrated the progress and achievements of the two countries in the space sector.
Italy, a leading player in international space missions, has contributed significantly to projects related to the International Space Station (ISS) and has spearheaded innovative initiatives through the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and its industrial and scientific partners. Ambassador Romano underscored this legacy, stating:
“With this event, we celebrate with our Maltese friends 60 years of Italy in space. In fact, since the launch of the first Italian satellite, ‘San Marco 1,’ in 1964, Italy continues to demonstrate extraordinary commitment to space exploration and the development of cutting-edge technologies. Today, we not only celebrate the achievements of the past, but we also look to the future of cooperation with an important EU Partner such as Malta, knowing that our bilateral collaboration can have a significant impact on the regional and global challenges of the coming decades.”
Malta, an emerging player in space policy and research, has made substantial progress in developing its space-related knowledge and capabilities. Through the newly established Government Agency Xjenza Malta, the country has fostered collaborations with international partners and supported advancements in space technology, satellite communications and environmental monitoring.
Malta’s achievements in 2024 included joining the European Space Agency’s PECS program, initiating a working relationship with the EU Space Agency and becoming a member of the International Astronomical Federation.
Silvio Scerri, CEO of Xjenza Malta, remarked on Malta’s growing role in the space community:
“Malta is proud of its developing role in the international space community. As we continue to strengthen our partnership with the European Space Agency, EU institutions, and private sector innovators, we are committed to supporting the emergence of a local space ecosystem able to compete internationally.”
This year’s event featured a unique format that blended science, history and music, involving representatives from institutions, academia and the private sector.
A particular highlight was the ASTROBEAT project, an example of Italian-Maltese collaboration. Led by Italian aerospace engineer and pianist Dr. Leonardo Barilaro, and partly financed by Xjenza Malta, ASTROBEAT is currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Dr. Barilaro, also known as “The Space Pianist,” collaborates with Grammy-nominated cellist Tina Guo, composer Steve Mazzaro and NYU Abu Dhabi, integrating music and science in a global outreach initiative.
The Embassy of Italy and Xjenza Malta expressed pride in hosting the event, which served to strengthen diplomatic and scientific relations while raising awareness of opportunities in the space sector for both countries.
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