The commencement of the Aerospace City project marked a significant milestone on Tuesday as the foundation stone for the new laboratories at Polytechnic University in Turin, Northern Italy, was laid. This initiative aims to establish an integrated ecosystem fostering education, research, innovation, and enterprise within the aerospace sector. The focal points of research will include hybrid-electric propulsion, power generation, and space exploration.
With an initial investment of €700 million, the project is anticipated to have a substantial economic impact, surpassing €750 million on the GDP. Upon completion, the new facility is set to accommodate 5,000 individuals.
The vision is to create a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem, synergizing education, research, innovation, and enterprise across the entire value chain. The ultimate goal is to establish Turin as a global reference center in the space economy.
In a strategic move, Turin is slated to host a G-7 summit in 2024, focusing on artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and space. Enterprise Minister Adolfo Urso emphasized Turin's growing significance in Italy's technological landscape, indicating a shift towards sectors like space debris control and a human return to the Moon by 2030.
Notable Italian aerospace giants, including Leonardo, Thales Alenia Space, Avio Aero, and Altec, are integral to the Aerospace City project. Their involvement spans areas such as technology hubs, Moon and Mars missions, clean aviation propulsion systems, and the establishment of a National Space Centre. The cumulative investment across these initiatives is expected to reach approximately €1 billion by 2028.
Luisa Riccardi, Deputy Secretary-General of Defence, emphasized the national importance of this project, positioning Turin, Piedmont, and Italy as a global reference center in the space economy. She highlighted the essential role of space technology in addressing critical issues like climate change and national security.
Teodoro Valente, President of the Italian Space Agency, envisioned Turin's Aerospace City as an international hub attracting talent, fostering frontier technologies, and consolidating Italy's industrial heritage in the space sector. With 300 companies, 7,000 employees, and an annual turnover exceeding €2 billion, Italy's space industry is well-positioned for growth.
Leonardo's CEO, Roberto Cingolani, anticipates an unprecedented role for space in the company's upcoming industrial plan. With a focus on strengthening activities and rationalizing product lines and strategies, Leonardo plans to establish four research laboratories on campus, signaling a significant commitment to space-related endeavors in the coming years.
