“Eyes” in space to protect  our national cultural heritage. Cultural heritage data collection kicks off through the COSMO-SkyMed system developed by ASI in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense

01 March 2023

The Italian Ministry of Culture - MiC - and the Italian Space Agency - ASI- have signed an agreement aimed at the joint and coordinated implementation of activities and programs regarding the collection and sharing of data on our national cultural heritage. It is part of the Plan for the Monitoring and Preservation of Cultural Property, which is coordinated by the General Directorate for Cultural Heritage Security of the Ministry of Culture.

The two-year agreement was signed by Giorgio Saccoccia, President of the Italian Space Agency, and Marica Mercalli, Director General for Cultural Heritage Security. The Italian Space Agency will provide data acquired by COSMO-SkyMed, a dual system based on a constellation of satellites for the observation of the Earth, developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense.

The project is designed to develop and incorporate different observation and calibration technologies with a view to implementing a satellite monitoring plan integrated with in situ instrumental monitoring. The Ministry of Culture and the Italian Space Agency are committed to developing activities that would use satellite data and related products for application purposes to foster knowledge exchange, management, and technical-operational support in the different phases of the project dedicated to the protection of cultural heritage.

Finally, the Ministry and the Agency will test the use of satellite data on jointly defined pilot areas and assets.

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WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH 2025

Renewal of the collective bargaining agreement for Kenyan personnel at the Luigi Broglio Malindi Space Centre ‣

  The Luigi Broglio Space Centre (BSC) in Malindi hosted the final negotiation meeting today for the renewal of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (C.B.A) covering the period 2025–2028. Luca Vincenzo Maria Salamone, Director General of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), participated via videoconference, while the ASI negotiating delegation—comprising Alessandro Preti, Director of Human Resources; Dalila Sabato, Head of the Union Relations Service; Munzer Jahjah, Head of the Malindi Site; and Maurizio Toninelli from the Malindi Site—signed the new agreement alongside Antony Rajoro, Secretary General of the Kenya Scientific, Research, International, Technical and Institutions Workers Union (KRISTAIWU). Also present was Joseph Kagotho Muriithi, representing the Kenya Space Agency (KSA). Opening the meeting remotely, the Director General expressed appreciation for the efforts of both the Kenyan Union representatives and ASI’s negotiating team, stating: “Today is an important milestone for all of us. The signing of this Collective Bargaining Agreement strengthens the relationship between ASI and its employees. Over the next four years, this agreement will provide a foundation of clear and mutually agreed-upon guidelines, fostering a stable and harmonious work environment where everyone can contribute their best.” Alessandro Preti, ASI’s Director of Human Resources, emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating: “This agreement is a testament to the power of constructive dialogue and the pursuit of balanced solutions. Our goal remains to cultivate a strong and motivating workplace—one that values the dedication of its employees and ensures their contributions drive the success of our organization.” Both KRISTAIWU’s Secretary General and KSA’s representative expressed their satisfaction with the agreement reached. Following the signing, Munzer Jahjah, Head of the Malindi site (BSC), along with the rest of the ASI negotiating delegation and Union representatives, held a meeting with local BSC employees to present and explain the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

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