The SATellite COgnitivo Reconfigurabile (SATCO) project has reached an important milestone with the completion of the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) , paving the way for the development of the first reconfigurable cognitive satellite designed in Veneto.
The satellite, designed to adapt to the needs of the mission, will be able to:
Observing the Earth through photometric measurements;
Monitor RF signals from space;
Conduct surveillance on specific events;
Support disaster relief operations.
The next step of the project will be to consolidate the technologies and develop a testbed to simulate realistic operational scenarios, bringing SATCO ever closer to its concrete implementation phase.
The SATCO project represents a virtuous example of collaboration between universities, industry, and research centers to bring innovation to the Italian and international space sector.
RIR AIR and Veneto Companies take center stage at the Space Economy Day
On Friday 3 October 2025, the training day “Space: visions and enterprises of a future without borders – Industry and skills for the aerospace economy” took place at Infinite Area in Montebelluna, promoted by the ODCEC Treviso as part of the Triveneto Days.
A day of discussion and in-depth analysis dedicated to the space economy and the strategic role of Northeastern Italy’s expertise and businesses in the aerospace sector.
The contribution and vision of President Federico Zoppas and RIR AIR
Among the speakers was Federico Zoppas, President of the Regional Innovative Network AIR – Aerospace Innovation and Research and Group Managing Director of Zoppas Industries , who spoke about the value of a regional ecosystem capable of connecting research, industry, and innovation. A productive fabric that, thanks to an advanced supply chain and dual-use technologies, is able to look to space and transform these experiences into concrete opportunities for the region and for everyday life.
“Companies in Orbit” Panel: Tri-Veneto Excellence
RIR AIR ‘s participation as a partner highlighted the central role of Veneto-based companies already playing a leading role in the aerospace industry. The “Companies in Orbit” panel featured outstanding companies such as:
An event that was able to combine vision, skills and professionalism, strengthening the link between industrial innovation and strategic consultancy, and confirming that space is no longer just a dream, but a real opportunity for businesses and professionals in our area.
Ten Years of S3: RIR AIR at the Heart of Veneto Aerospace Innovation
“Ten Years of Smart Regional Specialization” event in Padua: results, challenges, and prospects for Regional Innovation Networks.
On Friday, September 12, 2025, the University of Padua hosted the event “Ten Years of Regional Smart Specialization”, a day of discussion on the results and prospects of the S3 strategy in Veneto. Among the participants was RIR AIR , which brings together 103 partners and currently represents the heart of aerospace innovation in the region.
Since 2014, the Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) has guided the Veneto region in focusing resources and investments on key areas of innovation. Over the past ten years, a virtuous collaboration between universities, businesses, and institutions has been consolidated, fostering the growth of strategic sectors and the creation of Regional Innovation Networks (RIR) , which are now key tools for technology transfer and competitiveness.
The event at Palazzo del Bo
The day was divided into two distinct parts. During the morning session , starting at 9:00 a.m., some of the region’s leading institutional and academic figures spoke. After greetings from the Regional Councillor for Economic Development, Roberto Marcato , the Rector of the University of Padua, Daniela Mapelli , the Rector of Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Tiziana Lippiello , the Rector of IUAV University, Benno Albrecht , and the Pro-Rector of the University of Verona, Diego Begalli , the proceedings were opened by Dominique Foray , Professor Emeritus at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, one of the founders of the S3 strategy in Europe.
This was followed by presentations by Luciano Gamberini , full professor at the University of Padua, and Emanuela Lucchini , vice president of Confindustria Veneto, who discussed the model of collaboration between universities and businesses. The morning continued with the presentation of the book “The New Innovative Development Model of the Veneto. The Intelligent Specialization Strategy ,” edited by Santo Romano (Veneto Region) and Alessandro Minello (Ca’ Foscari University of Venice).
A roundtable discussion moderated by Dario Pellizzon followed , with contributions from prominent representatives of the business and academic worlds: Federico Zoppas (Zoppas Industries Heating Element Technologies, President of RIR AIR), Rita Steffanutto (Veneto Region), Valentina Beghetto (Veneto Green Cluster), Alberto Zanatta (Tecnica Group, ITS Digital Academy), Mauro Fanin (Cereal Docks, RIBES-Nest), and Franco Bonollo (University of Padua, iNEST Consortium). The session concluded with a light networking lunch at Caffè Pedrocchi.
In the afternoon, the meeting moved to the Nievo Hall, with a session dedicated to the role and projects of Regional Innovation Networks, offering a concrete look at the future prospects of the S3 ecosystem.
RIR AIR: Innovation soars high
In the afternoon, attention focused on RIR , with the presentation of concrete projects and innovative perspectives. These networks demonstrate how cross-sector collaboration is essential for generating value and strengthening the competitiveness of Veneto companies in international markets.
With its 103 partners , RIR AIR represents the Veneto aerospace network, capable of uniting companies, research centers, and universities in high-tech projects. Thanks to the work of President Federico Zoppas and Cluster Manager Michele Peterle , the network is pursuing initiatives ranging from applied research to technology transfer, with a strong focus on internationalization .
Indeed, RIR AIR promotes the exchange of expertise, access to foreign markets, and Veneto’s integration into the global New Space Economy . This approach allows the regional aerospace sector to strengthen its competitiveness and attract investment, consolidating Veneto’s role as a strategic hub for international innovation.
With the contribution of RIR AIR, the Veneto aerospace sector confirms its position as a strategic sector, ready to drive innovation , sustainability and global growth .
RIR AIR wins the tender for the first “Made in Veneto” satellite
RIR AIR (Veneto Aerospace Cluster) has won the Veneto Region’s call for research and development projects thanks to SATCO – Reconfigurable Cognitive Satellite, a two-year project that aims to create a new generation of smart satellites.
With a total funding of €1.9 million, €1 million of which is a non-repayable grant, the goal is to develop a satellite constellation capable of adapting to the context and providing on-demand services in various sectors: communications even in areas not covered by mobile networks, Earth observation, climate emergency monitoring, maritime and air traffic control, and support for agriculture and the environment.
“Winning this tender is a significant turning point because it brings together Veneto’s leading companies that are entering the market with even more advanced services. The AIR Network is making enormous progress, and we are truly proud of it, “ commented Federico Zoppas, President of RIR AIR . ” The network is maturing both in terms of expertise and teamwork, and this result is concrete proof of that. Now we must work to make it happen quickly. The ecosystem we have developed in Veneto, with its wide variety, flexibility, and quality of products and services, is capturing the attention of major players. The new Space Economy is, objectively, a driver of growth for the Veneto economic system, not only because of the investments it can activate and attract, but also because of its ability to accelerate research, innovation, training, and therefore employment.”
The first phase of the project will see the construction of a flatsat, a demonstration model of the satellite’s critical systems, which will subsequently lead to the development of the flight-ready satellite.
The Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3) for Space in Veneto – POR FESR 2022
PNRR | Space
Horizon Europe
Membership in the National Aerospace Technology Cluster Partnerships – CTNA EUROPEAN NETWORK OF DEFENCE-RELATED REGIONS – ENDR Valorization Table – National Copernicus User Forum
Promotion and development activities Framework agreement with Thales Alenia Space Italia Italian Embassy in Washington for the development of the US market Turin Aerospace and Defense 2021 Veneto Region Day at Expo Dubai – Diplomatic relationship with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (UAE)
Upcoming events: Tenth Anniversary of CTNA in Veneto – June 2022 Space and Finance – Q3 2022 Space & Wine 2023 – Q1 2023
on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the CTNA – National Aerospace Technology Cluster
VENETO AND THE FRONTIER OF SPACE
The journey through the aerospace districts organized by CTNA and the Regional Innovative Network “AIR – Aerospace Innovation and Research” arrives in Veneto.
Appointment Thursday 23 June from 9:00 am at the Big Hall of H-FARM Campus in Roncade (TV)
June 20, 2022 – To celebrate its tenth anniversary, the CTNA – National Aerospace Technology Cluster – is promoting a tour of its regional technology districts to retrace the history of Italian aerospace research from its origins to the present and to hypothesize future scenarios.
Among these, Veneto could not be left out, a region where the Rete Innovativa Regionale Aerospaziale “AIR – Aerospace Innovation and Research”https://rir-air.it/, has 41 partners (including 30 SMEs, 5 large companies, 4 universities, 1 foundation, and 1 research center). The network’s member companies employ approximately 3,000 people directly and generate a total annual turnover of over €500 million, 40% of which is generated outside Europe. Naturally, these figures only signal the beginning of a journey in which Veneto intends to demonstrate the global leadership of its aerospace companies.
AIR is legally represented by the Aerospace and Cosmonautics Consortium – Co.Si.Mo, whose founding members are IRCASPA–Zoppas Industries, ISOCLIMA SPA, and Fondazione Univeneto. The connection between businesses and universities is crucial: the Veneto region hasn’t invented its own vocation in the sector. Consider the role of a historic professor at the University of Padua, Giuseppe Colombo, a well-regarded founder of the European Space Agency. This unique combination of skills and knowledge has led to the highly successful experiences of many companies based in Veneto and projected into space.
The Space Economy is now central to the development strategies of all the world’s major economies. This star-studded challenge has fundamental and often unexpected implications for many aspects of our daily lives: from telecommunications to navigation, from Earth observation to meteorology, spurring applications in sectors as diverse as agriculture and healthcare, and even the prevention and reduction of natural and man-made risks.
All these ideas will be the subject of the event – sponsored by the Veneto Region – which will be held next Thursday 23 June starting at 9:00 am in the Big Hall of the H-FARM Campus in Roncade .
9:00 a.m. – OPENING WITH RICCARDO DONADON (Founder and President of H-FARM)
SPEAKERS:
FRANCESCO CALZAVARA (Councillor for Planning – Program Implementation – Relations with the Regional Council – Budget and Assets – General Affairs – Local Authorities of the Veneto Region)
FEDERICO ZOPPAS (President of RIR AIR)
ROBERTO MARCATO (Councillor for Economic Development – Energy – Special Law for Venice of the Veneto Region)
MASSIMO COMPARINI (CEO of Thales Alenia Space Italia)
CRISTINA LEONE (CTNA President)
LUCIANO GAMBERINI (PhD, Director of the Human Inspired Technologies Research Center – HIT, University of Padua – UNIVENETO)
11:00 a.m. – CONCLUSIONS LEOPOLDO DESTRO (President of Assindustria Venetocentro)
The day will be moderated by the journalist PAOLO POSSAMAI.
The new CTNA AEROSPACE ACADEMY will also be presented. The project will be launched through a contest open to all Italian students between the ages of 18 and 25. The contest will involve designing a visual identity that encompasses the annual initiatives dedicated to schools (Space Dream, Space Olympics, and thematic scholarships for universities).
The event can also be followed via live streaming by connecting to the following link:
The Italian Space Agency (ASI) will collaborate with NASA to conduct a preliminary design study of the Lunar Surface Multi-Purpose Habitation Module(s) proposed by ASI for the Artemis program. The agreement was signed by ASI President Saccoccia and NASA Administrator Nelson.
The Italian Space Agency and NASA signed a bilateral cooperation agreement today. The objective is to conduct a preliminary study to design and develop the habitation capabilities of future lunar modules, the Lunar Surface Multi-Purpose Habitation (MPH) Module(s) proposed by ASI for the Artemis program.
The agreement was signed by ASI President Giorgio Saccoccia and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson on the sidelines of the 17th session of the Interministerial Committee for Space and Aerospace Research Policies (COMINT), chaired by Vittorio Colao, Minister for Technological Innovation and Digital Transition with responsibility for space and aerospace policies, and attended by Luigi Di Maio, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
ASI will conduct the study with the support of Italian industry to develop a design compliant with the objectives of the Artemis mission and NASA’s requirements. NASA will support the Agency by providing updated technical and programmatic information on the program.
The Artemis program will lay the foundation for a long-term presence on the lunar surface and will use our satellite to validate deep-space habitation systems, essential for future missions to Mars. As part of the Artemis program, NASA will conduct a mission to land the first woman and next man on the lunar surface, using the Space Launch System (SLS) launcher, which will carry astronauts aboard the Orion capsule.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On November 24, 2021, the Ancient Archives at Palazzo Bò in Padua will host the event ” Human Exploration of Space as an Ecosystem for Innovation in the Veneto Industrial Fabric.” The all-day event will be managed by the AIR (Aerospace Innovation and Research) Regional Innovative Network . The morning will feature the network’s Assembly, while the afternoon will feature a public event entitled “Human Exploration of Space as an Ecosystem for Innovation in the Veneto Industrial Fabric.”
The afternoon event will be open to the public and available online . It will feature a keynote address by Thales Alenia Space CEO Massimo Comparini, as well as a brief conference by Dr. Ugo Celestino, Policy Officer for Space Research, Innovation, and Start-ups, Defence Industry & Space, European Commission. The full event schedule is as follows:
2.00pm – 2.10pm: Institutional Greetings from the University of Padua, Professor Daniela Mapelli, Rector
2.10pm – 2.20pm: Institutional Greetings Thales Alenia Space Italia – TAS-I Massimo Comparini, CEO of TAS-I
2.20pm – 2.30pm: Signing of the UniPD Framework Agreement – TAS-I
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Research and Industrial Innovation Opportunities in Space Technologies Prof. Stefano Debei, University of Padua
3:15 – 3:30 PM: The Regional Innovative Network “Aerospace Innovation and Research – AIR” Dr. Federico Zoppas, President of the COSIMO consortium
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Speech by Thales Alenia Space Engineer Massimo Comparini, CEO of Thales Italy
4.00pm – 4.20pm: EU Funding Instruments for Aerospace Industries Dr. Ugo Celestino, Policy Officer for Space Research, Innovation and Start-ups, Defence Industry & Space European Commission
4:20 – 4:40 PM: Investment Opportunities in Aerospace SMEs with Private Equity, Private Debt, and Capital Markets Dr. Alessandro Sannini, Twin Advisors & Partners
4.40pm – 5.00pm: Discussion
The purpose of this event will be to present and assemble the AIR Regional Innovative Network. This network’s formal goal is to help Veneto businesses and research achieve a greater impact on international markets. This will be achieved by engaging various market segments with technologies and products designed for space applications , but also with an immediate impact on the market for more traditional products. The afternoon event is aimed at exploring the possibilities of new research and new collaborations for industrial innovation in space and beyond. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][/vc_column_inner][mk_button size=”large” url=”https://rir-air.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/poster-evento.pdf” target=”_blank” align=”center”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″]Download the programme[/vc_column_inner] [/vc_column_inner][mk_button size=”large” url=”https://rir-air.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/programma-giornata-del-24-novembre-2021.pdf” target=”_blank” align=”center”]Download the programme[/mk_button][/mk_button][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
