Maria Antonietta Perino holds a degree cum laude in Nuclear Engineering from Politecnico di Torino. She attended the International Space University at MIT in Boston, later becoming a Faculty Member. She has been with Thales Alenia Space in Turin since 1986, where she has led major ESA and ASI programs dedicated to lunar and Martian exploration. She currently serves as Director for Space Economy Exploration and International Network.

Throughout her career, she has played a key role in advancing international cooperation in space exploration and is actively involved in initiatives supporting the development of young professionals in the space sector. She is the author of numerous publications, papers, and reports, and serves as Co-Editor of Acta Astronautica.

A member of both the Académie de l’Air et de l’Espace and the International Academy of Astronautics, she is also a former Vice President of the International Astronautical Federation Bureau and currently President of Explore Mars Europe. In recognition of her contributions to the space sector, she received the International Academy of Astronautics’ Engineering Science Award in 2023 and the International Astronautical Federation Hall of Fame Award in 2024.