What is Astra

An alliance between public and private bodies, aiming to bridge between pure research and its numerous applications, in order to implement innovative technologies in the space sector.

The project

The partnership

Astra sees the participation of three public research centers and two private entities. The former are the Gran Sasso Science Institute (GSSI), the University of Perugia and the National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF). The private bodies are the Bruno Kessler Foundation and Thales Alenia Ltd.

Researchers, post-docs and technologists hired for this project

11 People
36% Women

Structured personnel

85 People
26% Women

How far have we progressed?

Follow the progress of the project, its individual work packages and its tasks.

Project ends on 31 December 2025

Ongoing It ends on 12/2025

WP1 Advanced technologies for Space industry

In the framework of this WP1, the Spoke and Spoke affiliates will develop innovative technologies of great interest for the …

Ongoing It ends on 12/2025

WP2 Digital platforms for Space industry

WP2 aims at the realization of shared digital platforms to support innovation in research institutions and industrial supply chains operating …

Ongoing It ends on 12/2025

WP3 Technology Transfer and Impact Management

This work package will implement an innovative approach to technology transfer for the spoke activities. Thanks to the creation of …

Financial resources

Here you can find all the information about the project’s financing and track the progressive transfer of funds.

10.4 Million euro Project's total cost
3.8 Million euro Transferred to the project so far

Last published articles

L’effetto moltiplicativo di Astra e la call “Mini-Fast” dell’ESA
22 April 2025

L’effetto moltiplicativo di Astra e la call “Mini-Fast” dell’ESA

Il prototipo in corso di realizzazione Crystal Eye può svilupparsi e volare nello spazio grazie a nuove opportunità a breve e medio termine. Senza Astra non sarebbe possibile immaginarle né realizzarle

The Challenge of Crystal Eye to Gamma Ray Bursts
30 March 2025

The Challenge of Crystal Eye to Gamma Ray Bursts

Interview with Ivan De Mitri, Professor of Experimental Physics at GSSI and Work Package 1 Leader in Astra. The Importance of Developing Crystal Eye and Its Implications for Space Exploration (and Beyond)

From Research to Business: Networks and Agreements Driving Astra’s Technology Transfer
24 February 2025

From Research to Business: Networks and Agreements Driving Astra’s Technology Transfer

As part of the third work package of the project, the GSSI is part of an inter-university network promoting dialogue between academia and industry. This is a key element that touches also on agreements and intellectual and industrial property rights

Latest publications

Peer-reviewed journal papers - Technology Transfer and Impact Management

Publications as part of Astra WP3 (updated March 2025)

Peer-reviewed journal papers - Digital platforms for space industry

Publications as part of Astra WP2 (updated March 2025)