512 participants, 29 high-level speakers, 31 exhibitors, and 108 represented companies and startups. These are the numbers of “LarioSpace 2024,” the second edition of the event on Italian innovations and technologies in the New Space Economy sector, which has just taken place at the Lario Space Center, the satellite telecommunications facility of Telespazio in Gera Lario, near Lake Como. The event was attended by numerous professionals from the space sector, including astronaut Paolo Nespoli, managers of specialized companies, researchers, science communicators, students, and enthusiasts. The two-day program featured a series of talks, interactive workshops, and networking sessions on highly relevant topics, such as mini-satellite constellations, new space launch vehicles, telecommunications technologies, earth observation, suborbital flights, and future lunar missions. An area dedicated to exhibitors' stands was also available to facilitate meetings between entrepreneurs, professionals, and stakeholders.

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“It has been a pleasure for me to participate in this event,” declared Alessandro Fermi, Regional Councillor for University, Research, and Innovation of Lombardy, who opened the proceedings. “For years, Lombardy has been a leading hub in the aerospace sector, generating a total revenue of 6.3 billion euros. Its exports, amounting to 1 billion euros, account for about a quarter of Italian exports in the same sector. These figures, referring to 2023 and coming from the Lombardia Aerospace Cluster, highlight the prominent role of our region in the national aerospace economy. Events like the one organized by LarioSpace, therefore, showcase a very important sector for us.”

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“We are extremely grateful and excited for the success of this year's edition of LarioSpace,” emphasized Jonathan Polotto, CEO of Involve Space and organizer of the event. “The attendance and interaction we have seen over these two days show us how strong and vibrant the New Space Economy community is. This event has been a significant meeting point for innovators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who are shaping the future of space. And it's not over yet: we are already working to make the next edition in 2025 even bigger and more engaging.”

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“LarioSpace 2024” was organized by Involve Space, an innovative startup offering launch services with stratospheric balloons, with the support of Takeoff Accelerator, the first Italian accelerator dedicated to the aerospace sector. The event was sponsored by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), the National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC), ENEA, the Lombardy Region, and the Chamber of Commerce of Como-Lecco. The exhibitors included: Tesla, Apogeo Space, Persico, OLM, Involve Space, Leaf Space, BlockDis, 3D Company, Acx Design, ADS, Acus, All Materials Supply, Allegretti Aeroplating, Alma Sistemi, Best Finishing, Blu Electronic, Celte, Gred, Lopigom, MPG Instruments, Novac, Polispace, Qool, Revolv Space, Siae Microelettronica, Xylene, Digitiamo, SELT Aerospace & Defence, Nablawave, Innovatech3D, Linde Gas.