Naples: President Fico visits the Space Factory

The Campania aerospace sector remains a fertile ground for innovation and scientific research thanks to the work of the Space Factory Space Center, which in the coming months will launch seven missions dedicated to biopharmaceutical and life sciences experiments in orbit.

Campania Region President Roberto Fico toured the company's facilities today, accompanied by the management team and industry experts, to learn more about ongoing projects and development prospects. Among the key innovations presented was the IREOS 0 prototype, the world's first microsatellite capable of autonomous and controlled reentry, which will be launched in February 2027 thanks to funding from the Italian Space Agency (ASI). IREOS 0 will house MiniLabs 3.0, smart laboratories that can conduct biopharmaceutical and life science experiments and can be remotely controlled via devices such as tablets and smartphones.

Another significant mission, called Space Slime, involves the launch of MiniLab 2.0 to the Italian Space Station in October 2026. The visit underscored Space Factory's unique position in the Italian space landscape and its prominent international position, thanks to the integration of research, technological innovation, and industrial development.

President Fico emphasized the Region's commitment to supporting this sector, promoting local excellence and creating growth and employment opportunities, especially for young people. The meeting included representatives of institutions, research organizations, and academics, demonstrating a collaborative network that contributes to positioning Campania among the leading regions in the national and international aerospace sector.

Roberto Fico's statement: "The aerospace sector is one of Campania's leading industries. And we are resolutely committed to creating the conditions for it to grow and offer new development opportunities for the region and employment for young people.

We have many challenges ahead of us, and I am confident that by improving and expanding services and working to further strengthen the network between institutions, businesses, and research, we will be able to achieve important goals. This region exudes the enthusiasm and tenacity needed to achieve increasingly ambitious goals. As a Region, we stand alongside companies to support their growth, their positive impact on the region, and their international vocation. We are working to make Campania an increasingly important region of excellence and opportunity.

Statement from Norberto Salza: "I am delighted with the President's visit, which, with his remarks, further confirms that we are on the right track. With the launch of MiniLab 2.0 next October and the IREOS 0 microsatellite in February 2027, Space Factory will enter the national and international commercial market for in-orbit biopharmaceutical services."

Luigi Carrino's statement: "Campania is a region of excellence, but it's also a region of opportunity. Today's visit showcased top-notch products and technologies, but above all, young talents who have decided to stay in their homeland, where they've found the goals and motivation to achieve. This achievement is the fruit of intense collaboration between universities, research institutions, businesses, and institutions, which has positioned Campania among the leading players in the sector, both nationally and internationally."