Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE) and the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) have announced a Collaboration Agreement to evaluate the feasibility of conducting spaceflight operations from Grottaglie Spaceport in Puglia, Italy.
The partnership will assess the technical and regulatory requirements for suborbital spaceflights at Grottaglie, including infrastructure, airspace compatibility, and the capacity of the surrounding region to support private customers and researchers. The study will also explore the alignment of Italian regulations with U.S. standards, where Virgin Galactic is based.
The first phase of the study, slated for completion by 2025, will focus on analyzing Grottaglie’s airspace, infrastructure, and supply chain capabilities to support regular spaceflights. If these criteria are met, the second phase will address workforce development and the potential economic benefits for Italy, particularly the Puglia region, from hosting multiple spaceflights per week.
This collaboration builds on Virgin Galactic’s successful “Galactic 01” mission in June 2023, which carried members of the Italian Air Force and the National Research Council on the company’s first commercial spaceflight from Spaceport America in New Mexico.
“Developing world-class spaceports is key to expanding passenger spaceflight globally, and we’re honored to partner with the Italian government to bring Virgin Galactic’s operations to Europe,” said Michael Colglazier, CEO of Virgin Galactic. “This study is a vital step toward unlocking the economic and social potential of commercial space travel. Imagine seeing the boot of Italy from space through the windows of our spacecraft!”
ENAC Deputy Director General Fabio Nicolai emphasized the significance of the collaboration: “This study will establish the conditions for suborbital operations from Grottaglie Spaceport in line with ENAC regulations inspired by the U.S. model. It’s a crucial step toward safe and sustainable commercial space operations in Italy.”
Designated as a commercial spaceport in 2018, Grottaglie Airport is operated by Aeroporti di Puglia and serves as Italy’s first horizontal spaceport and the first in the European Union. With €70 million in government funding allocated to enhance its infrastructure, Grottaglie aims to become a hub for suborbital spaceflights and a center of excellence for aerospace innovation in the Mediterranean.
“We’re excited to partner with Virgin Galactic to showcase Grottaglie Spaceport’s capabilities as a European leader in suborbital flight infrastructure and expertise,” said Antonio Maria Vasile, President of Aeroporti di Puglia. “The spaceport is driving advancements in aerospace technology and fostering groundbreaking projects in the new space economy.”
Vito Bavaro, Director of Economic Development for Puglia, added, “Expanding commercial space travel to our region aligns with our investments in research, innovation, and aerospace development. Virgin Galactic is the perfect partner to help establish Grottaglie as a premier base for suborbital spaceflights in the Mediterranean.