Giorgio Saccoccia

Giorgio Saccoccia is the former President of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and is currently Special Advisor to the Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), specifically in charge of the management and coordination of the multidisciplinary Basic Activity budget of ESA and other tasks.

Graduated with honours in Pisa (IT) in Aerospace Engineering he holds as well a MBA obtained in Leiden (NL). He cumulated almost 30 years of experience at ESA, being the promoter and coordinator of a huge portfolio of research and technological development projects that had a significant impact on Europe’s role in various space applications. He oversaw disciplines such as Propulsion, Aerothermodynamics, Structures, Mechatronics, Life Support, Thermal Control, and managed the ESA Test Centre and several technical laboratories.

During his 4 year’s mandate as President of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), from May 2019 to 2023, the Italian resources available for space activities have more than tripled, allowing Italy to strongly strengthen its international positioning in the sector, through a vast portfolio of new projects and international initiatives. Very attentive to the promotion and advancement of space activities at international level and to the creation of effective networks of space stakeholders, he has served as chair, member and officer in several organisations devoted to space. In 2024 he has been inducted in the IAF Hall of Fame.