Florence will host the Space It Up! Days from 26 to 28 January 2026, the Italian event dedicated to the future of Italian and European space research.
With more than 500 expected participants, the initiative will bring together representatives from the Italian Space Agency (ASI), universities, research centers, industry partners, and early-career scientists. The shared objective: to identify and develop the key scientific and technological priorities that will shape space missions and services over the next decade.
The event marks the first major plenary convergence of the nine Spokes of the national Space It Up! programme, funded by ASI and the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR). This research ecosystem integrates enabling technologies, Earth Observation, Space Weather, lunar exploration, life sciences and downstream services.
Day 1 – Strategic Vision and Industrial Dialogue
The opening day will focus on the programme’s long-term vision, featuring institutional addresses, an overview of Space It Up!, and a dedicated dialogue with the industrial sector-strengthening collaboration among research, innovation and Italy’s productive system.
Day 2 – Scientific Core of the Event
Day 2 will host six parallel scientific sessions dedicated to next-generation space research topics, including:
- Multi-point Earth Observation missions
- End-to-end Space Weather capabilities
- Lunar and Martian exploration
- Life Sciences in space
- Digital Twin technologies
- Downstream services for natural hazards and climate-change risk management
These sessions, led by the scientific coordinators of each Spoke, aim to identify national priorities, potential demonstrative missions, and strategic recommendations for 2026–2031, aligned with national and international perspectives.
Day 3 – Consolidation and Strategic Outcomes
The final day will be dedicated to internal work by project leaders and co-leaders, who will consolidate the results of the scientific sessions and prepare the closing document: the “Firenze Recommendations 2026”.
The Space It Up! Days 2026 aim to become a key reference point for the Italian space ecosystem, connecting science, technology, industry and public policy, and strengthening Italy’s role within the European and international space landscape.
Learn more about Space It Up! Days 2026.
