ATHENA, the large-scale X-ray space observatory, sees Italian research institutions in the front line, in particular the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), with over 200 scientists and technologists involved in the programme. An acronym for Advanced Telescope for High Energy Astrophysics, it’s the second ESA large-class mission, and it will be the great, next-generation X-ray astrophysics observatory, with expected launch in 2030. It will give Europe the leadership in the industry.

ATHENA will detect the formation and evolution of the most energetic and warmest existing sources, such as plasma contained in the filamentous structure of dark matter shaping the Universe, black holes, gamma-ray bursts and sources of gravitational waves, until the times when the first supermassive stars originated.

To explore the deep Universe through X-rays, ATHENA will be equipped with extremely advanced on-board instruments, combining a large-area telescope with two focal plane instruments. The main instrument is the X-IFU, the first X-ray Integral Field Unit, based on cryogenic microcalorimeters with an extremely advanced energy resolution and a good imaging capability and accompanied by a wide-field WFI (Wide-Field Imager) instrument for sky surveys.

The Italian community has a key role as regards both the scientific part and the instruments of the mission, supported by the Italian Space Agency.

‣ News

SUNDAY 20 APRIL 2025

The Italian Space Agency at the official inauguration ceremony of the African Space Agency ‣

On the occasion of the inauguration ceremony of the African Space Agency (AfSA), the Italian Space Agency (ASI) was represented by the Director General, Luca Salamone, who brought the Italian greetings on a historic day for the African continent and for the international space community. MORE...

MONDAY 07 APRIL 2025

ASI at the 40th Space Symposium ‣

Colorado Springs (CO, USA) from April 7-10, 2025 MORE...

MONDAY 07 APRIL 2025

COSMO-SkyMed monitoring of Santorini volcano ‣

ASI and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki have started a scientific collaboration to monitor Santorini volcano in Greece MORE...

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.