"It's natural for us to turn to Israel, its experience and proper approach to entrepreneurship and space" • Italian Space Agency President Giorgio Scucca says in a special interview with "Israel Today"

At the end of March, a unique launch will be launched into space to examine breakthrough medical trials.

The venture is shared with Israel and Italy, whose cooperation in space is part of the tightening of relations between countries also within the atmosphere. Less than two months before the joint launch, Italian Space Agency President Giorgio Scucca, who was the guest of Ilan Ramon's 15th International Space Week, visited the country by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The launch is shared with the Israeli "Spice Pharm" and researchers from both countries. Spice Pharma is considered a pioneer in the field of micro-gravity laboratory experiments. The company has developed a miniature laboratory which is capable of launching on an autonomous satellite and nano-satellite.

Two of the experiments are from the Technion, one of the Tel Hashomer Hospital and the fourth from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. One of the experiments, for example, is the research of Professor Giuseppe Fellini of the University of Bologna in Italy and Prof. Boaz Fukroy of the Technion, and its purpose is to examine their behavior in the space of Antibacterial substances and their effect on bacteria under zero gravity conditions, since there is no astronaut crew on the satellite, everything will be controlled remotely from Earth.

Giorgio Scucca // Photo: Coco

"This experiment is not only a great example of the close relationship between the countries, but also represents a very significant business potential," says Skocce in a special interview with "Israel Today," adding: "Italy and Israel have been marching hand in hand for many years, and this trend will only follow. Italy is very interested in the space economy and space technology, and sees space as a new field for business opportunities. It is natural for us to approach Israel, which has been in this field for many years and has the right experience and access to entrepreneurship and the new space. "

What is Israel's uniqueness in space?

"First, it's definitely true what you are saying: You are a 'startup nation', and your name goes before you all over the world. You have instilled technology education and a positive approach to entrepreneurship and space in particular from an early age, in schools, and you surely reap the fruits in later stages. ".

Asking what business opportunities are the future of space, and especially in cooperation between Israel and Italy in the field, Skucca replies: "The sky is not the limit, in fact. As of today, the global space industry is valued at $ 50 billion, growing at 7 Say the growth potential can reach half a trillion, that is, 10 times that of today.We talk about mutual research and development - also technologies designed for space and adapt to everyday use; on the contrary, over the years, the journey to space will be more and more people will want to fly into space, but the nature of travel Will be different and will require developments accordingly. "

Want to see an increase in the number of Israeli businessmen in Italy?

"Absolutely. Already, when Italians hear the word 'Israel,' they are thinking about business opportunities as well, and we want that to happen in the opposite direction. We are currently collaborating with academic institutions in Israel, and our private companies are also collaborating with Raphael and companies. Your economy is a great way to strengthen diplomatic relations. "

The Italian Space Agency has seen a revolution in recent years. Its budget has doubled, and currently stands at € 1.6 billion, half of which is earmarked for the European Space Agency.

Avi Balsberg, director of the Israeli Space Agency at the Ministry of Science and Technology, adds: "Until now, all experiments in micro gravity conditions are being performed at the International Space Station and operated by astronauts. The current development, in Israeli-Italian cooperation, allows each scientist to conduct his experiments independently and accessible. ".