In 1992, the NASA and the ASI orbited Lageos-2 (Laser Geodynamics Satellites), the successor to Lageos-1, aimed at precisely defining the shape of Earth, determining the movements of the tectonic plates due to the continental drift and measuring some general relativity parameters theorized by Einstein, with a 10% precision.

Lageos-2 was launched from the Space Shuttle Columbia’s cargo bay by the Iris (Italian Research Interim Stage) propulsion system.

Iris, which transferred Lageos-2 at an altitude of about 6000 km, was developed by Alenia and Snia Bpd (Fiat group) for the motor part.

‣ News

THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023

The catalogue of PRISMA acquisitions is now freely available on GEOSS portal ‣

The catalogue data is updated daily MORE...

SATURDAY 01 JULY 2023

EUROPE’S EUCLID MISSION LIFTS OFF ‣

The successful launch of the satellite marks the beginning of a mission designed to observe billions of galaxies and uncover the nature of dark matter and dark energy. Italy's decisive contribution to Euclid was made possible through the effort and expertise of the Italian Space Agency, the National Institute of Astrophysics and the National Institute of Nuclear Physics MORE...

WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE 2023

Teodoro Valente is the new president of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) ‣

Following the appointment of its new president, the Italian Space Agency (ASI) has also designated a new Board of Directors MORE...

FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2022

THE PARTICIPATION OF THE ITALIAN SPACE AGENCY IN THE 73RD INTERNATIONAL ASTRONAUTICAL CONGRESS IN PARIS ‣

The space showcase par excellence takes place in Paris from September 18th to September 22nd, 2022, and precedes the next European edition, which will take place in Italy with IAC Milan 2024, organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and hosted by the Italian Association of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIDAA), the ASI and Leonardo

MORE...

WEDNESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2022

SAMANTHA CRISTOFORETTI WILL BE THE COMMANDER OF THE ISS ‣

AstroSamantha will become the first European astronaut in command of the International Space Station MORE...