
25th - 26th May 2023
Additive Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship in Space to boost sustainability and economic growth
Swabian Castle, Mesagne, Apulia, Italy
GSEW 2023
Previous editions
Gallery2023
GSEW 2023
GSEW@Italy Workshop: Additive Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship in Space to boost sustainability and economic growth
Venue: Norman Swabian Castle, Mesagne, Brindisi, Apulia, Italy
Dates: May 25th – 26th, 2023
Discover the documentation of the 2023 edition of the GSEW@Italy Workshop.
Introduction
Additive manufacturing is going to have a key role in enabling the future of human space travel and interplanetary colonization. In fact, it is already playing a key role in enabling the production of low- cost satellites and lighter, more efficient rockets to take cargos into orbit. AM can help to greatly lower the cost of commercial space activities by continuing to drive the development of advanced materials, including metal replacement, high-performance polymers, and composites. In the next years 3D printing will contribute to space travel, research, and habitation. The printing market in the private space industry is expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2026 and in this scenario new opportunities appear for national and European industry. Companies and space agencies are increasingly turning to additive manufacturing for complex components such as thrusters and engines; satellite networks, orbit vehicles, rovers and more can benefit from designs enabled by additive, NASA’s Artemis mission will eventually lead to the establishment of a basecamp on the surface of the moon which will include infrastructure such as launch pads and roads in addition to habitats and later production facilities such as greenhouses, refineries and power plants. 3D printing will be a part of that construction. In this context, innovative startups and entrepreneurs can have a positive and important role, in developing disruptive technologies and solutions in a faster a more agile way. The commitment of public and private actors, and in particular of the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency, in giving to startups access to technical and business support and a wide network of space partners and investors, is therefore paramount to accelerate innovation and enable future common successes for the European space ecosystem. The GSEW@Italy Workshop wants to contribute to the efforts that Italian Space Agency and European Space Agency are making to:- revitalize and consolidate the European leadership in advanced manufacturing for space applications with the significant return of investment in many non-space industrial sectors;
- invest in startups and young entrepreneurs;
- promote innovation and technology as an engine of development for the entire space ecosystem, ranging from incubators to accelerators, from universities and research centers to investments funds;
- raise awareness on the fundamental role space technologies and applications have in improving our daily life, facing global challenges, and building a sustainable future.
Context: Apulia
Puglia contributes significantly to the role that Italy plays in the aerospace sector. This is described by the numbers of companies (over 100), of employees (including researchers over 7,500), revenues (1,5 billion euros). In the last years, regional capacities in the space sector, both at the industrial and scientific points of view, have grown considerably, creating an overall value chain that ranges from value-added services to satellite systems development. Puglia space sector has multiplied its size, reaching a turnover of 50+ M€ with more than 500 employees, almost all of whom have graduated. These figures are continually increasing. Such impressive growth would not have been possible without the support of its world- class universities and research centers in the specific sectors. DTA and the regional government have always jointly worked with the aim to intensify relations with other European and Italian clusters and districts, expressing a continental leadership which culminated in the leadership of the European NEREUS2 network (Network of European Regions Using Space Technologies) during the period 2014-2019. The space sector growth can reinforce Puglia’s socio-economic development, in line with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development so that Technology transfer from the space to non-space sectors, using space data and space-technology, has become a pillar for the Regional Strategy. Thanks to the high level of competence, the Apulian companies and research centers are present in many of the international programs both of an industrial and institutional nature. The skills concern the design, construction, integration, and support to complex systems of aircraft and helicopters; the design and maintenance of engines for military and civil aeronautics and space; the design and development of hardware components and advanced software systems for aerospace, civil and military applications, the design and production of micro- satellites, the development of applications in the field of Earth observation, satellite navigation and telecommunications. In Apulia there are already many examples of industry, shareholders of DTA, that can be considered pioneers for the use of AM in the aerospace field as the 787 fuselage made by Leonardo with “AFP one piece barrel” technology, in Leonardo – Grottaglie and the additively manufactured components for the General Electric Advanced TurboProp (ATP) engine produced by GE Avio Aero in Brindisi. Many SMEs are involved in the production of parts and components for aerospace and several demonstrators by AFP process, as a tail-cone portion of the Next Generation Turboprop Regional Aircraft (NGTP) or a portion of the lower skin of the M-346 aircraft, Vega tanks in reinforced carbon fiber, interiors for helicopters. At the same time Apulia Region has seen new initiative from startups and some, as Roboze, in few years have become leader with their FDM technology in for high performance super polymers and composites. Some public shareholders of DTA are also involved in AM processes like Polytechnic of Bari and it’s Apulia Repair Development Center or like ENEA center of Brindisi specialized in new materials.
Research, innovation, and training have been crucial for the growth and consolidation of the Apulian aerospace and have contributed to strengthening its reputation internationally. Thanks also to the scientific and technological excellence of its partners, the DTA has been strengthening the competitiveness of the Apulian production system since 2009. The District proposes and implements research, training and innovation projects for the development of key technologies; the creation of new professional figures; the construction of infrastructures at the service of research and innovation. It operates in a system logic that allows it to achieve increasingly ambitious objectives at national and international level.
Objectives of GSEW@Italy Workshop
The main goal of the GSEW@Italy Workshop is to engage leaders and executives of major space and non-space European stakeholders from institutional and commercial sectors to:- Discuss how space activities and needs foster industrial competitiveness, economic growth, innovation and sustainability;
- Reinforce the European ecosystem of entrepreneurs and start-up companies capable to develop solutions in line with the most advanced challenges;
- Foster the creation of spin-in/spin off opportunities;
- Promote and start discussions on specific industrial cooperation;
- Promote ESA BIC Network and describe ASI strategies for startups;
- Share challenges to potential new unconventional solutions developedbeyond the partner’s traditional R&D approach;
- Promote capabilities and competences belonging to DTA and Apulianindustrial ecosystem;
- Promote ASI and ESA programmes and initiatives.
Accomodation
You can find here info and suggestions for accomodationPrevious editions

Global Space Economic Workshop
“Space Cybersecurity for Mobility”
May 24th, 2018
On the initiative of Distretto Tecnologico Aerospaziale (DTA) and in collaboration with ASI (Italian Space Agency) and ESA (European Space Agency), the Global Space Economic Workshop on ‘Space Cybersecurity for Mobility’ was held on 24 May 2018 at the Rosa Marina Resort in Ostuni.
The Workshop brought together key national and European players from the space sector and rail, maritime and automotive mobility, and the institutional world to discuss possible cooperation initiatives in the field of cybersecurity.
Space services (navigation, earth observation, and telecommunication) in support of transport systems represent a key enabling technology in the various transport sectors (land, air, sea) in terms of security, autonomy, and environmental and economic sustainability. Unlocking the potential of space systems and the services they provide becomes impossible unless a programme is identified within national and European space programmes that define the centrality of cyber security in transport and enables the study of technologies, their integration, and potential threats. At the same time, the need emerges to identify service facilities to carry out integrated tests in realistic environments. These were the topics addressed on the 24th.
The different thematic sessions were attended by executives from the major European space and transport industry groups, universities, international authorities, representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Defence (SEGREDIFE), the Italian Space Agency (ASI), and other national and European space agencies to discuss collaborations and partnerships to overcome the changes and challenges that future mobility systems pose to society.
On the morning of the 24th, opportunities and challenges in the various transport sectors in connection with space were discussed. In the afternoon, focus groups were held with the participation of representatives of public agencies and private companies to verify possible interconnections and possibilities for joint projects in the fields of aerospace services, transport, automotive, infrastructure, maritime, and rail traffic.
At the end of the workshop, an agreement was signed between DTA, ASI, ESA and the Belgian Research Centre Belspo, to test at Grottaglie airport initiatives capable of securing the flight of aircraft and at the same time the mobility of ships, trains and cars.
Global Space Economic Workshop
“Space Cybersecurity for Mobility”
May 29th, 2019
Distretto Tecnologico Aerospaziale (DTA), together with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the European Space Agency (ESA) organized the second edition of the Global Space Economic Workshop “Space Cybersecurity for Smart Cities” on May 29th, 2019 at the Rosa Marina Resort, Ostuni, Brindisi, Apulia, Italy.
The Workshop brought together leaders of major space and non-space European stakeholders, both from institutions and commercial sectors, to interactively discuss potential cooperative space cyber-security initiatives for Smart Cities and Urban Mobility.
Several panels were organized with the participation of executives of major European space and non-space industries, academia, and national authorities such as the Italian Ministry of Defence, the Italian Council of Ministers, the Italian Space Agency (ASI), and the European Space Agency (ESA), and several European institutions to discuss new cross-cultural partnerships and promote disruptive innovation to address the challenges faced by the future mobility systems.
During the afternoon session, focus group activities were carried out, to get concrete suggestions on capacity building in the fields of Mobility for Smart Cities, UaV for Smart Cities, and Testbed for Smart Cities.
Participants were invited to focus on the following questions:
– What are the business opportunities (customers, operators, vertical markets)?
– What are the challenges, current weaknesses, and external threats?
– What is required in terms of e.g. capabilities, ecosystems, and links to research, data, and mobility?
– How ESA, National Space Agencies, GSA, and other European institutions can help industries to face the challenges and seize the opportunities?
At the same time, as a side event of GSEW@Italy, DTA organized an international conference entitled ‘Grottaglie Spaceport for Europe’, dedicated to the topic of spaceports and suborbital flights, held on May 30th, in cooperation with Aeroporti di Puglia and Enac, and the patronage of the Apulia Region, at Grottaglie airport.Global Space Economic Workshop Italy: Aiming high in 2022 with ESA Space Rider
GSEW session during Mediterranean Aerospace Matching 2021 – September 22nd, 2021
During the MAM a short session of the GSEW was dedicated to suborbital flight and the Space Rider program. The day was one of those promoted by the Italian Government during the semester of Presidency of the Council of Europe in the space week.
Space Rider is an uncrewed robotic laboratory about the size of two minivans. After launching on Vega-C it will stay in low orbit for about two months. Experiments inside its cargo bay will allow technology demonstration and benefit research in pharmaceutics, biomedicine, biology, and physical science. At the end of its mission, Space Rider will return to Earth with its payloads and land on a runway to be unloaded and refurbished for another flight. The Grottaglie airport, in 2018 identified as a spaceport by the Italian Ministry of Transports, could be a potential landing site for Space Rider? What are the opportunities and the challenges?Gallery2023
Vedi la gallery del GSEW, clicca qui.
GSEW 2023
Previous editions
Gallery2023
GSEW 2023
GSEW@Italy Workshop: Additive Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship in Space to boost sustainability and economic growth
Venue: Norman Swabian Castle, Mesagne, Brindisi, Apulia, Italy
Dates: May 25th – 26th, 2023
Discover the documentation of the 2023 edition of the GSEW@Italy Workshop.
Introduction
Additive manufacturing is going to have a key role in enabling the future of human space travel and interplanetary colonization. In fact, it is already playing a key role in enabling the production of low- cost satellites and lighter, more efficient rockets to take cargos into orbit. AM can help to greatly lower the cost of commercial space activities by continuing to drive the development of advanced materials, including metal replacement, high-performance polymers, and composites. In the next years 3D printing will contribute to space travel, research, and habitation. The printing market in the private space industry is expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2026 and in this scenario new opportunities appear for national and European industry. Companies and space agencies are increasingly turning to additive manufacturing for complex components such as thrusters and engines; satellite networks, orbit vehicles, rovers and more can benefit from designs enabled by additive, NASA’s Artemis mission will eventually lead to the establishment of a basecamp on the surface of the moon which will include infrastructure such as launch pads and roads in addition to habitats and later production facilities such as greenhouses, refineries and power plants. 3D printing will be a part of that construction. In this context, innovative startups and entrepreneurs can have a positive and important role, in developing disruptive technologies and solutions in a faster a more agile way. The commitment of public and private actors, and in particular of the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency, in giving to startups access to technical and business support and a wide network of space partners and investors, is therefore paramount to accelerate innovation and enable future common successes for the European space ecosystem. The GSEW@Italy Workshop wants to contribute to the efforts that Italian Space Agency and European Space Agency are making to:- revitalize and consolidate the European leadership in advanced manufacturing for space applications with the significant return of investment in many non-space industrial sectors;
- invest in startups and young entrepreneurs;
- promote innovation and technology as an engine of development for the entire space ecosystem, ranging from incubators to accelerators, from universities and research centers to investments funds;
- raise awareness on the fundamental role space technologies and applications have in improving our daily life, facing global challenges, and building a sustainable future.
Context: Apulia
Puglia contributes significantly to the role that Italy plays in the aerospace sector. This is described by the numbers of companies (over 100), of employees (including researchers over 7,500), revenues (1,5 billion euros). In the last years, regional capacities in the space sector, both at the industrial and scientific points of view, have grown considerably, creating an overall value chain that ranges from value-added services to satellite systems development. Puglia space sector has multiplied its size, reaching a turnover of 50+ M€ with more than 500 employees, almost all of whom have graduated. These figures are continually increasing. Such impressive growth would not have been possible without the support of its world- class universities and research centers in the specific sectors. DTA and the regional government have always jointly worked with the aim to intensify relations with other European and Italian clusters and districts, expressing a continental leadership which culminated in the leadership of the European NEREUS2 network (Network of European Regions Using Space Technologies) during the period 2014-2019. The space sector growth can reinforce Puglia’s socio-economic development, in line with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development so that Technology transfer from the space to non-space sectors, using space data and space-technology, has become a pillar for the Regional Strategy. Thanks to the high level of competence, the Apulian companies and research centers are present in many of the international programs both of an industrial and institutional nature. The skills concern the design, construction, integration, and support to complex systems of aircraft and helicopters; the design and maintenance of engines for military and civil aeronautics and space; the design and development of hardware components and advanced software systems for aerospace, civil and military applications, the design and production of micro- satellites, the development of applications in the field of Earth observation, satellite navigation and telecommunications. In Apulia there are already many examples of industry, shareholders of DTA, that can be considered pioneers for the use of AM in the aerospace field as the 787 fuselage made by Leonardo with “AFP one piece barrel” technology, in Leonardo – Grottaglie and the additively manufactured components for the General Electric Advanced TurboProp (ATP) engine produced by GE Avio Aero in Brindisi. Many SMEs are involved in the production of parts and components for aerospace and several demonstrators by AFP process, as a tail-cone portion of the Next Generation Turboprop Regional Aircraft (NGTP) or a portion of the lower skin of the M-346 aircraft, Vega tanks in reinforced carbon fiber, interiors for helicopters. At the same time Apulia Region has seen new initiative from startups and some, as Roboze, in few years have become leader with their FDM technology in for high performance super polymers and composites. Some public shareholders of DTA are also involved in AM processes like Polytechnic of Bari and it’s Apulia Repair Development Center or like ENEA center of Brindisi specialized in new materials.
Research, innovation, and training have been crucial for the growth and consolidation of the Apulian aerospace and have contributed to strengthening its reputation internationally. Thanks also to the scientific and technological excellence of its partners, the DTA has been strengthening the competitiveness of the Apulian production system since 2009. The District proposes and implements research, training and innovation projects for the development of key technologies; the creation of new professional figures; the construction of infrastructures at the service of research and innovation. It operates in a system logic that allows it to achieve increasingly ambitious objectives at national and international level.
Objectives of GSEW@Italy Workshop
The main goal of the GSEW@Italy Workshop is to engage leaders and executives of major space and non-space European stakeholders from institutional and commercial sectors to:- Discuss how space activities and needs foster industrial competitiveness, economic growth, innovation and sustainability;
- Reinforce the European ecosystem of entrepreneurs and start-up companies capable to develop solutions in line with the most advanced challenges;
- Foster the creation of spin-in/spin off opportunities;
- Promote and start discussions on specific industrial cooperation;
- Promote ESA BIC Network and describe ASI strategies for startups;
- Share challenges to potential new unconventional solutions developedbeyond the partner’s traditional R&D approach;
- Promote capabilities and competences belonging to DTA and Apulianindustrial ecosystem;
- Promote ASI and ESA programmes and initiatives.
Accomodation
You can find here info and suggestions for accomodationPrevious editions

Global Space Economic Workshop
“Space Cybersecurity for Mobility”
May 24th, 2018
On the initiative of Distretto Tecnologico Aerospaziale (DTA) and in collaboration with ASI (Italian Space Agency) and ESA (European Space Agency), the Global Space Economic Workshop on ‘Space Cybersecurity for Mobility’ was held on 24 May 2018 at the Rosa Marina Resort in Ostuni.
The Workshop brought together key national and European players from the space sector and rail, maritime and automotive mobility, and the institutional world to discuss possible cooperation initiatives in the field of cybersecurity.
Space services (navigation, earth observation, and telecommunication) in support of transport systems represent a key enabling technology in the various transport sectors (land, air, sea) in terms of security, autonomy, and environmental and economic sustainability. Unlocking the potential of space systems and the services they provide becomes impossible unless a programme is identified within national and European space programmes that define the centrality of cyber security in transport and enables the study of technologies, their integration, and potential threats. At the same time, the need emerges to identify service facilities to carry out integrated tests in realistic environments. These were the topics addressed on the 24th.
The different thematic sessions were attended by executives from the major European space and transport industry groups, universities, international authorities, representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Defence (SEGREDIFE), the Italian Space Agency (ASI), and other national and European space agencies to discuss collaborations and partnerships to overcome the changes and challenges that future mobility systems pose to society.
On the morning of the 24th, opportunities and challenges in the various transport sectors in connection with space were discussed. In the afternoon, focus groups were held with the participation of representatives of public agencies and private companies to verify possible interconnections and possibilities for joint projects in the fields of aerospace services, transport, automotive, infrastructure, maritime, and rail traffic.
At the end of the workshop, an agreement was signed between DTA, ASI, ESA and the Belgian Research Centre Belspo, to test at Grottaglie airport initiatives capable of securing the flight of aircraft and at the same time the mobility of ships, trains and cars.
Global Space Economic Workshop
“Space Cybersecurity for Mobility”
May 29th, 2019
Distretto Tecnologico Aerospaziale (DTA), together with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the European Space Agency (ESA) organized the second edition of the Global Space Economic Workshop “Space Cybersecurity for Smart Cities” on May 29th, 2019 at the Rosa Marina Resort, Ostuni, Brindisi, Apulia, Italy.
The Workshop brought together leaders of major space and non-space European stakeholders, both from institutions and commercial sectors, to interactively discuss potential cooperative space cyber-security initiatives for Smart Cities and Urban Mobility.
Several panels were organized with the participation of executives of major European space and non-space industries, academia, and national authorities such as the Italian Ministry of Defence, the Italian Council of Ministers, the Italian Space Agency (ASI), and the European Space Agency (ESA), and several European institutions to discuss new cross-cultural partnerships and promote disruptive innovation to address the challenges faced by the future mobility systems.
During the afternoon session, focus group activities were carried out, to get concrete suggestions on capacity building in the fields of Mobility for Smart Cities, UaV for Smart Cities, and Testbed for Smart Cities.
Participants were invited to focus on the following questions:
– What are the business opportunities (customers, operators, vertical markets)?
– What are the challenges, current weaknesses, and external threats?
– What is required in terms of e.g. capabilities, ecosystems, and links to research, data, and mobility?
– How ESA, National Space Agencies, GSA, and other European institutions can help industries to face the challenges and seize the opportunities?
At the same time, as a side event of GSEW@Italy, DTA organized an international conference entitled ‘Grottaglie Spaceport for Europe’, dedicated to the topic of spaceports and suborbital flights, held on May 30th, in cooperation with Aeroporti di Puglia and Enac, and the patronage of the Apulia Region, at Grottaglie airport.Global Space Economic Workshop Italy: Aiming high in 2022 with ESA Space Rider
GSEW session during Mediterranean Aerospace Matching 2021 – September 22nd, 2021
During the MAM a short session of the GSEW was dedicated to suborbital flight and the Space Rider program. The day was one of those promoted by the Italian Government during the semester of Presidency of the Council of Europe in the space week.
Space Rider is an uncrewed robotic laboratory about the size of two minivans. After launching on Vega-C it will stay in low orbit for about two months. Experiments inside its cargo bay will allow technology demonstration and benefit research in pharmaceutics, biomedicine, biology, and physical science. At the end of its mission, Space Rider will return to Earth with its payloads and land on a runway to be unloaded and refurbished for another flight. The Grottaglie airport, in 2018 identified as a spaceport by the Italian Ministry of Transports, could be a potential landing site for Space Rider? What are the opportunities and the challenges?Gallery2023
Vedi la gallery del GSEW, clicca qui.