UNI@VERSO LO SPAZIO

Dear Members of the University Community,
We are facing a historical period in which technology and digital media are trying to bridge the gap between us. Looking with a hopeful eye to a return to normality, our Community continues to work on new ideas and objectives to brighten our lives.

The Space Newsletter, being created, aims to encourage Community participation in the activities related to Space Sciences and Technologies, following the roadmap initiated by the 4th International Space Forum at Ministerial Level - The Mediterranean Chapter hosted in Reggio Calabria at the end of last year together with the contemporary signing of an agreement with the Italian Space Agency (ASI). The 'Reggio Calabria Page' summarized the outcome of that International Space Forum and laid the foundations for the development of our involvement in the field of Space Sciences and Technologies. In fact, Ministers, Diplomats and Heads of space agencies are committed to enforcing cooperation in space science and technology disciplines with universities and research centres in the Mediterranean region, with the support of national and international space agencies and institutions, and in particular the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). Besides, creating a greater awareness of space programs, existing national and international space centres, infrastructures and satellite systems have been promoted to contribute to the United Nations 2030 agenda at a regional level, especially in the Mediterranean Region. A further step was taken when the University Mediterranea was appointed as a new member of the International Astronautical Federation - IAF - by the Federation General Assembly during the 70th International Astronautical Congress - IAC 2019 held in Washington D.C. (USA) from 21 to 25 October 2019.

Following this pattern, the internal working group Uni@Verso lo Spazio has worked enthusiastically on this newsletter as one more step aimed at spreading information within the Community, starting from young researchers and students, together with the tributes and experiences as well as the opportunities for the Academia to develop project ideas and join the space science world together with other stakeholders, such as space industry.

I hope you will enjoy this first edition of the space newsletter and that it will stimulate your interest in space science matters while looking forward to the next exciting steps, which are especially important for the future of young generations.

Stay safe and healthy.
With my best regards,
Santo Marcello Zimbone