In Washington, at the heart of American political life, the 2025 edition of Italian Space Day took on a special significance. Not just because of its theme, Next Frontiers, which evoked a journey beyond traditional cooperation, but because of the energy that filled the room from the very beginning: the energy of an Italy determined to be a protagonist in the new space economy.
Organized by the ICE Agency Houston Office and the Italian Embassy under the auspices of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), the event was much more than a schedule of talks or technical presentations. It was a collective story, where institutions, researchers, startups, and industry leaders came together to showcase a shared vision: a space that is more accessible, sustainable, and innovative – and a vision shared between Italy and the United States.
Ambassador Marco Peronaci emphasized Italy’s role, noting how the partnership with the U.S. is now a strategic pillar, strengthened by the Trump–Meloni Declaration and supported by growing investments on both sides of the Atlantic.
The audience alone spoke volumes. Alongside Italian member of the Parliament Deborah Bergamini, top representatives from U.S. space authorities – Taylor Jordan, Juan Andres Caro, and Casey Swails – were present, together with leaders from NASA, SpaceX, Axiom, and key investors. This was an audience rarely assembled for a European event, reflecting the growing importance of Italy as a strategic player in the new space race.
On stage, sixteen Italian companies presented projects ranging from lunar habitats to intelligent robotics, advanced propulsion systems, and Martian construction materials. Their presentations highlighted Italy’s tangible contributions to human space exploration and its growing role in the global space economy.
Yet, behind the perfectly orchestrated event, behind every smooth interaction with American partners, agencies, and industry leaders, there was a presence that remained largely invisible – and precisely for that reason, essential. That presence was Colonel Aniello Violetti.
from left: Col. Aniello Violetti, Space Attaché of Embassy of Italy in U.S.; Necmettin Kaymaz, Axiom Space; Antonio Peronace Executive Director of Space for Humanity and his wife Nikki Peronace, Deputy Curator of Suprem Court
For months, Colonel Violetti worked behind the scenes to ensure that every component – institutional, operational, diplomatic, and industrial – moved in harmony. He facilitated relationships between complex stakeholders, resolved organizational challenges that could have slowed the event, and transformed a tightly packed agenda into a seamless, fluid experience. His work never sought the spotlight, and perhaps that is why it succeeded: he was the quiet director ensuring that every part of the story contributed to the final impact.
The results spoke for themselves. From participation and content to new collaboration opportunities between Italy and the United States, Next Frontiers was an unqualified success.
This edition of Italian Space Day arrived at a critical moment: with over sixty Italian companies already operating in the U.S. and the ASI–SpaceX agreement opening doors to commercial Mars missions, Italy is no longer a peripheral player but a central one.
Massimiliano Galeazzi, Chair of Department Physics at University of Miami and Walter Villadei
The success of the event is therefore more than a showcase — it is a concrete step in building a new strategic axis. And while many contributed, one cannot overlook the silent, decisive role of those working behind the scenes. Among them, Colonel Aniello Violetti stood out as a key architect of Italy’s presence and credibility in the U.S. space arena.
