Puglia is emerging as a major hub for the Italian space industry. Thanks to the presence of major companies such as Leonardo, Avio Aero and Sitael, the region boasts a growing ecosystem that fosters innovation and the development of advanced aerospace technologies. The Brindisi Aerospace Technology District and targeted regional investments strengthen this ecosystem by promoting collaboration between companies, universities and research centres. Puglia is not only home to big players. Still, it is also fertile ground for innovative startups such as REA Space, which, with its EMSi bionic space suit, demonstrates the region’s ability to develop cutting-edge technologies. Apulian companies actively participate in international space missions, contributing to the advancement of the industry globally. This dynamism creates new job opportunities and attracts young talent, confirming Puglia’s key role in the Italian space industry. We talked about this with Ilario Lagravinese, CMO and co-founder of Rea Space.
Italian space industry
The Italian Space Agency (ASI) plays a key role in the global space scene, pushing forward research and innovation and participating in major missions. Leading ASI’s Human Flight and Scientific Experimentation Unit is Barbara Negri, a leading expert in the Italian aerospace sector. With a solid background in mathematics and space physics, Barbara Negri has dedicated her career to ASI, holding positions of responsibility and contributing to the success of numerous projects. Today, she leads a team that deals with crucial areas such as the International Space Station, exploration of the Moon and Mars, and science missions in collaboration with other space agencies.
The ASI, established in 1988, is the entity that coordinates space activities in Italy. Its actions extend from scientific research to Earth observation, from telecommunications to developing innovative technologies. Thanks to the collaboration with international partners such as ESA and NASA and the contribution of figures such as Barbara Negri, Italy has established itself as a key player in the space sector, actively participating in the exploration of the Universe and in scientific and technological progress. The Artemis program, led by NASA, is an ambitious international project that aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable human presence on our satellite. The ASI (Italian Space Agency) plays an important role in this endeavour, contributing technologies, expertise and resources.
