The CISAS “G. Colombo” of the University of Padua was founded on 29 January 1991 as an Interdepartmental University Centre, on the initiative of Professors Francesco Angrilli and Pierluigi Bernacca, and initially involved several scientific departments (Astronomy, Electronics and Computer Science, Physics, Geology–Paleontology–Geophysics, Mechanical Engineering) as well as the Astronomical Observatory of Padua, now INAF. With the reorganisation introduced by Law 240/2010, on 11 April 2013 the Centre became a University Centre, confirming the level of excellence achieved in space research activities.

The mission of CISAS is to promote, coordinate and conduct studies, research and activities in the space sector, linking basic sciences, applied research and industry. Through its research and the PhD Course in Space Science, Technology and Measurement, the Centre aims to train graduates and researchers with a strongly multidisciplinary background in the space field.

The operational role of CISAS includes: following the space programmes of the main space agencies (ASI, ESA, JAXA, NASA, ROSKOSMOS), creating and strengthening collaborations with major national and international space research centres, participating in mission proposals and carrying out studies and simulations of space mission models. The Centre also collects, updates and disseminates information on space activities to facilitate potential impacts on the national industrial context, with particular attention to the Veneto region.

Another key task is to make the main university training tools available to secondary schools in Veneto, so that young students can approach space research programmes and activities. CISAS supports the PhD Course in Space Science, Technology and Measurement through numerous national and international research collaborations and through administrative management. In parallel, it designs, develops and manages innovative scientific facilities for testing and qualifying space materials and instrumentation, also for certification purposes, and prepares proposals for technological development and transfer from space activities, in cooperation with the aerospace industry.

The main research areas of the Centre are: astronomy and astrophysics from space, flight dynamics and satellite navigation, exploration of the Solar System and planetary sciences, space geodesy and geodynamics. They also include space systems engineering, electric and hybrid propulsion, space robotics and space instrumentation, forming an integrated hub that spans from fundamental research to advanced engineering applications.

The CISAS “G. Colombo” of the University of Padua was founded on 29 January 1991 as an Interdepartmental University Centre, on the initiative of Professors Francesco Angrilli and Pierluigi Bernacca, and initially involved several scientific departments (Astronomy, Electronics and Computer Science, Physics, Geology–Paleontology–Geophysics, Mechanical Engineering) as well as the Astronomical Observatory of Padua, now INAF. With the reorganisation introduced by Law 240/2010, on 11 April 2013 the Centre became a University Centre, confirming the level of excellence achieved in space research activities.

The mission of CISAS is to promote, coordinate and conduct studies, research and activities in the space sector, linking basic sciences, applied research and industry. Through its research and the PhD Course in Space Science, Technology and Measurement, the Centre aims to train graduates and researchers with a strongly multidisciplinary background in the space field.

The operational role of CISAS includes: following the space programmes of the main space agencies (ASI, ESA, JAXA, NASA, ROSKOSMOS), creating and strengthening collaborations with major national and international space research centres, participating in mission proposals and carrying out studies and simulations of space mission models. The Centre also collects, updates and disseminates information on space activities to facilitate potential impacts on the national industrial context, with particular attention to the Veneto region.

Another key task is to make the main university training tools available to secondary schools in Veneto, so that young students can approach space research programmes and activities. CISAS supports the PhD Course in Space Science, Technology and Measurement through numerous national and international research collaborations and through administrative management. In parallel, it designs, develops and manages innovative scientific facilities for testing and qualifying space materials and instrumentation, also for certification purposes, and prepares proposals for technological development and transfer from space activities, in cooperation with the aerospace industry.

The main research areas of the Centre are: astronomy and astrophysics from space, flight dynamics and satellite navigation, exploration of the Solar System and planetary sciences, space geodesy and geodynamics. They also include space systems engineering, electric and hybrid propulsion, space robotics and space instrumentation, forming an integrated hub that spans from fundamental research to advanced engineering applications.