The Italian Embassy in Seoul is set to host “Italian Space Day” on Tuesday at the Ambassador Residence of Italy in Seoul.

The event, organized in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, commemorates the 60th anniversary of the launch of San Marco, Italy's first satellite, which established the nation as the third country in the world to independently launch a satellite into space.

First celebrated in 2021, “Italian Space Day” underscores Italy's pivotal role and ongoing contributions to global space exploration.

"Italian Space Day" event poster / Courtesy of Embassy of Italy in Seoul

The event will commence with a welcome address by Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto. Following the opening remarks, John Lee, vice administrator of the Korea Aerospace Administration, and Luca Vincenzo Maria Salamone, director general of the Italian Space Agency, will present their perspectives on Italy and Korea's collaborations in the space sector. The keynote address will be delivered by Italian astronaut and test pilot Maurizio Cheli, whose distinguished career has made him a leading figure in aerospace innovation.

The program will continue with presentations from academic and industrial leaders. Representatives from organizations such as Leonardo, Hanwha Aerospace, Telespazio, Korea Aerospace Industries, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, Thales Alenia Space Italia, Boryung, Yonsei University and Sapienza University of Rome will discuss advancements and opportunities in the space sector.

The event will conclude with a networking reception, which will provide a platform for fostering new scientific and technological collaborations between Italy and Korea.

Cheli, a distinguished Italian astronaut and test pilot, will deliver the keynote address. Born in Modena, Italy, in 1959, Cheli boasts a remarkable career, having served as a reconnaissance pilot for the F-104G and graduating at the top of his class at the Empire Test Pilot's School. He also participated as a Mission Specialist in a 1996 space mission.