A reflection on legal challenges and opportunities in the era of space exploration

Thursday, April 10, the Horti Sallustiani in Rome hosted “Facciamo Spazio! L’orbita del domani”, an event organized by Ghia Law firm, with the sponsorship and participation of ondazione Bruno Kessler.

At the opening, a message from the Minister of Business and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, along with the authority responsible for Space and Aerospace Policies, highlighted how the space economy could represent the future of Made in Italy. This vision is further supported by a recent allocation of €7.2 billion, aimed at giving new momentum to the sector.

They then delved into the core of the regulatory developments at the national, European, and international levels in light of the upcoming approval of the bill on Space. This legal analysis tackled key issues, beginning with liability and culminating in the need for a regulatory framework grounded in the principles of resilience, sustainability, and security.

A panel discussion then focused on the current state of business, research, and development, highlighting how space activities have significantly benefited the agricultural sector. The conversation also emphasized the important role played by SMEs and start-ups, supported in part by the crucial contribution of smaller, more economically sustainable satellites.

Ferruccio Resta, President at Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), said, “Talking about space today means talking about technology and innovation. More importantly, it involves dialogue between worlds as diverse as science and law, business and institutions.  Space is no longer just exploration: it is a strategic lever for research, telecommunications, extraction of new materials and Earth observation. This is a profound transformation, imposing new reflections. On one hand, there is a pressing need to launch a meaningful international dialogue on regulation; on the other, Europe must urgently foster a competitive and autonomous space industry that will integrate research, advanced manufacturing, and technological sovereignty This is the direction in which Fondazione Bruno Kessler — an applied research foundation known for merging scientific rigor with real-world impact in high-tech fields — is heading..”

 “The space sector is evolving rapidly, and it is becoming increasingly urgent to define clear and shared rules to ensure the security and sustainability of the space activities market.  Generating a clear regulatory ecosystem produces development and attracts domestic and foreign private investment. The strong turnout at this meeting highlights the vitality of the sector in our country and the value of dialogue among the various stakeholders involved in different capacities,” said Lawyer Enrica Maria Ghia, who organized the initiative

The meeting concluded with the hope that this already strong sector—characterized by the widespread presence of Italian companies throughout the entire value chain—can continue to grow organically, supported by a cutting-edge regulatory framework and strengthened through investment in training and talent development.

Contributors to the discussion were Lucio Ghia – Partner of Ghia Studio Legale Associato, Daniele Rossi – Head of Space and Defense at MIMIT, Ferruccio Resta – President at Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Elda Turco Bulgherini – Vice President at ASI, Massimo Claudio Comparini – Managing Director at Leonardo Space Division, Sergio Marchisio – Professor at La Sapienza, Enrica Maria Ghia – Partner Ghia Studio Legale Associato, Michele Benvenuti – Head of Legal Office at OHB Italia S.p.A, Luisa Ruggiero – General Counsel and Compliance Officer at Thales Alenia Space Italia S.p.A., Vittorio Colella Albino – Head of Legal & Corporate Affairs at Telespazio S.p.A, Colonel Walter Villadei, Andrea Simoni – Secretary General at Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Stefano Stefanile – Director of Institutional Relations at Avio S.p.A., Ettore Prandini – National President for Coldiretti, Annamaria Nassisi – Observation and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space Italia S.p.A, Paolo Gaudenzi – Advisor for Scientific Cooperation at the Consulate General of Boston, Ersilia Vaudo Scarpetta – Esa Special Advisor Future Talents and Sara Garino – Head of the Legislative Office Presidency of the X Commission for Productive Activities, Trade and Tourism.