The Luigi Broglio Malindi Space Center, located in Kenya, is ASI's operational base outside the national territory under the 2004 Decree

​The Center was initially managed by "Sapienza" University of Rome through the San Marco Project Research Center (CRSPM). Being located below the equator line on the coast of the Indian Ocean, the Center is ideal for both launches and ground-based satellite control activities. The Center is comprised a Sea Segment, which is its main offshore launch site, and a Land Segment, represented by the communications ground station on the mainland.

The Center's core business is the reception of satellite and telemetry data and the tracking of carriers or other space objects. This makes the Broglio Space Center an important hub in the cooperation network with other countries and space agencies, such as NASA, the European (ESA), French (CNES), Argentine (CONAE) space agencies, the Kenyan Space Agency and those of other African countries, as well as commercial operators, such as SpaceX. Its equatorial location enhances the Center's unique potential.

The Center is also engaged in developing research projects and training activities, including the setting up of the International Center for Space Education in Africa, which will make the "Luigi Broglio" Space Center a training hub for the whole Continent.

The Center was first established by Professor Luigi Broglio in the 1960s, who thought Malindi was the right logistical and environmental location to set up a high-level scientific facility while at the same time laying the groundwork for a unique and strategic partnership with Kenya. That was when the 'San Marco' equatorial launch base was born.

The Santa Rita and San Marco Ocean platforms were 'inaugurated' in 1967 when the San Marco-2 satellite was launched from the San Marco launch site. The partnership with NASA, which contributed to the project by providing launchers, was a key element in its overall success.

 A total of 9 satellites took off from the Center between 1967 and 1988: 4 were part of the San Marco program, 4 were U.S. satellites and one was  British. Some 20 orbital missions were also launched.

The Center (Longitude 40.19 degrees east – Latitude 2.99 degrees south) covers an area of about 3.5 hectares on the Indian Ocean coast about 32 km from Malindi. It can be reached traveling along the Kenyan coastline. The Center's presence in Kenya, which dates back to 1966, is currently governed by a renewable 15-year intergovernmental agreement, first signed in 1995. It envisagd activites such as launches, satellite-data reception, remote sensing and training activites to be carried out both in Italy and on site.

Italy has agreed to provide programs, equip and operate the Center, provide logistics, and train and employ local staff. In turn Kenya provides the site, upon payment of a modest fee and the commitment that Italy will train and employ local labor. The local government must be informed about the programs that can benefit from the support of the Center and requires, only for commercial programs, a royalty to be set on the basis of each commercial agreement. At the end of the 15-year period, the equipment will become the property of Kenya.

The last launch - a Scout launcher carrying the San Marco D/L satellite- was performed on March 25, 1988. Since then, the platforms have remained unused and subject only to routine maintenance.

The Land Segment is comprised of a series of masonry and wooden buildings that serve both as living quarters and service facilities, a marina for docking vessels connecting with the platforms, and 3 Ground Stations (antenna systems) for in-orbit control and the acquisition of telemetry from satellites and launchers. The 3 stations are:

S-Band Station, equipped with a 10-meter dish, used for ASI programs;

S/X/L Band Station, equipped with a 10-meter dish, engaged in monitoring launchers (Arianespace, Titan) and providing support to the initial phases of commercial satellites  (LEOP)

and the X-Band Station, equipped with a 6-meter dish used to acquire remote sensing data (ERS2, Spot, Landsat).

The Center is connected to Italy via Intelsat satellites as part of the Italian Space Agency's ASI-net network.

‣ 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...

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.

TUESDAY 04 MARCH 2025

LuGRE achieves historic lunar radionavigation milestone ‣

ASI - Agenzia Spaziale Italiana

The NASA-ASI receiver was powered on March 3 MORE...