The platform for the dual use of space officially launched in Rome.

The IAP Ambassador Platform for Dual-Use Space-based Services (APDUSS), the ESA IAP program (Promozione Integrated Application Promotion) office for the dual space utilization, has been officially launched in Rome on February 1st. APDUSS headquarter will be in Rome, by the Defense Ministry. The first APDUSS official event  has been a crowded  workshop  held at  CASD (Centro Alti Studi Difesa), in the heart of Rome with the most important representatives of the involved organizations and stakeholders.

Italian Defense Ministry, Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola, stressed the idea that space is a common wealth, with dozens of public services that are using a space application. The Ministry emphasized the strategic importance of the dual use of Space (Military and Civilian together). The Italian agreement between MIUR (University Ministry), ASI (Italian Space Agency) and Defense Ministry has been mentioned as a good examples of cooperation.

ASI President Enrico Saggese, highlighted the dual space approach in Earth Observation, Navigation services and Telecommunications.