27 January 2026 – Turin, Italy – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), convened an international gathering on Monday at the Palace Asinari di San Marzano, the headquarters of Italian satellite manufacturer Space Industries, to launch AIAA’s new representation for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. AIAA’s efforts in the EMEA region will be led by Davide Petrillo and Martina Bruno based in Turin.
This increase, approximately 30% above the previous triennial level of €16.9 billion, sends a clear message: Europe is determined to elevate its space ambitions and industrial capacity.
“As the world’s largest aerospace professional institute, AIAA is building deeper connections across the global aerospace community. This event highlights the value of transatlantic dialogue and shared technical expertise. Local engagement matters. Our presence in EMEA allows us to serve regional priorities and strengthen relationships that support aerospace supply chains and innovation across borders,” said AIAA CEO Clay Mowry.
The gathering, attended by representatives from government institutions and industry, included remarks from Giuseppe Santangelo, Chief Executive Officer of Space Industries. “We are proud to host AIAA at our headquarters, as this partnership aligns with the long-term vision of Space Industries. The space market is changing fast, with new commercial players and visionary companies relying on space data for business. We are pleased to collaborate with AIAA because our ambition goes beyond serial satellite manufacturing, to support a connected, collaborative, and industrially mature commercial space ecosystem,” Santangelo said.
The program included a panel titled “Cross-Atlantic Synergies for Space Innovation in a Changing World.” The discussion examined how the space sector is rapidly evolving beyond its traditional boundaries and increasingly interacting with diverse non-space industries. Panelists included Luisella Giulicchi (European Space Agency), Clay Mowry (AIAA), Maria Antonietta Perino (Thales Alenia Space Italy) and Alessandra Vernile (Italian Space Agency). They highlighted the opportunities for cross-sector integration, as well as the challenges created by geopolitical shifts. The panel emphasized strong transatlantic collaboration as a foundation for building a resilient marketplace capable of accelerating innovation and ensuring long-term sustainable development in space.
AIAA welcomed new Corporate Members from the region. “We are proud to welcome Space Industries, GENERGO and Kurs Orbital to the AIAA family. Their participation reflects the growing interest of European and international organizations in engaging with AIAA’s global network of researchers, engineers, innovators, and industry leaders,” Mowry added.
In addition, AIAA formalized two strategic collaborations by signing Memoranda of Understanding with WIA-Europe (Women in Aerospace Europe) and AIDAA (Associazione Italiana di Aeronautica e Astronautica). The agreements reinforce AIAA’s commitment to promoting international cooperation, supporting diversity in aerospace, and strengthening scientific and professional exchange between global communities.
Media Contacts:
Davide Petrillo, DavideP@AIAA.org, + 39 348 5405622 Cell
Rebecca Gray, RebeccaG@AIAA.org, 804-397-5270 Cell
Media Contacts:
Davide Petrillo, DavideP@AIAA.org, + 39 348 5405622 Cell
Rebecca Gray, RebeccaG@AIAA.org, 804-397-5270 Cell
