Rome – The Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, recently welcomed the international crew of the AX-3 space mission, conducted by Axiom Space. Present at the meeting were Col. Walter Villadei of the Italian Air Force, Michael Lopez-Alegria, astronaut of Axiom Space, Col. Alper Gezeravci, the first Turkish astronaut, and Swedish Col. Marcis Wandt, astronaut of the European Space Agency. The meeting was part of the Italian leg of the post-flight tour the crew is conducting, following stops in Turkey and Sweden. It continues with institutional visits, tours of industrial centers, and academic conferences. The international crew was also received by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The AX-3 mission marked a significant achievement for Italy and the Made in Italy brand in low Earth orbit commercial space activities, opening new avenues for international industrial collaboration and enhancing the visibility of national excellence in the field. "Italy is carving out a leading role in coordinating and conducting important scientific and space experiments like this one," emphasized Minister Urso. "The preparation and courage of the AX-3 crew members are an extraordinary example for young people and future generations."

"The Space Economy represents a highly significant sector for our country, and it will become even more so in the future. We are convinced that space must remain a peaceful and shared domain—a point I will reaffirm in the coming days during the G7 Industry ministerial in Rome and the International Astronautical Congress in Milan," the minister concluded. (9colonne)