The University of Bologna, in collaboration with the Italian Union of Scientific Journalists (UGIS), organized a public outreach event in Forlì where professors and researchers engaged in discussions with experts from ENAC and ENAV on the latest research activities in the aerospace sector.
Date: 10 APRIL 2024 from 14:30 to 18:00
On April 10th, the University of Bologna, in collaboration with the Italian Union of Scientific Journalists (UGIS), hosted a public outreach event at the ENAV Training Center in Forlì. Professors and researchers, alongside experts from ENAC and ENAV, discussed the latest aerospace research activities.
The event, titled "Space Exploration, Air Mobility, and Sustainability," was introduced by Giovanni Caprara, President of UGIS and Science Editor at Corriere della Sera, and moderated by Sara Bagassi, Professor of Aerospace Structures and Design at the University of Bologna. The opening remarks were delivered by the Rector Giovanni Molari, Forlì Campus President Emanuele Menegatti, ENAV Training Center Director Fabio Olivetti, Forlì Airport President Giuseppe Silvestrini, and the Mayor of Forlì, Gian Luca Zattini.
Researchers, operators, regulators, and science journalists gathered for an engaging outreach event, delving into the frontiers of space exploration, sustainable air mobility, and the quest for environmental sustainability. From research dissemination to thought-provoking discussions, attendees were treated to an immersive experience that inspired and fueled curiosity on the aerospace research frontiers. Organized by the University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna) in collaboration with Unione Giornalisti Italiani Scientifici, ENAV, AIDAA - The Italian Association of Aeronautics and Astronautics
The sessions covered sustainable space exploration and future urban air mobility, aiming to raise awareness about the significant challenges and opportunities that aerospace research will support in the coming years. Discussions included the role of miniature satellites in making space more accessible and affordable, while also addressing the growing concern of space debris accumulation.
During the event, Prof. Fabrizio Ponti presented the BOOST project as a candidate representing a frontier of development for aerospace applications. BOOST (Building blOcks for iOdine thruSTers), funded by the European Union (GA-101135216), aims to advance iodine electric propulsion technology to enable in-orbit refueling of satellites, thereby addressing the space debris problem. The project’s innovative approach focuses on developing modular components for various thruster types, including Grid Ion Thrusters (GIT) and Hall Effect Thrusters (HET).
The UGIS event provided a valuable platform to share BOOST's advancements and engage with the aerospace community, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable space exploration and air mobility.