From October 14 to 18, 2024, the city of Milan, at the brand-new MiCo Convention Center, hosted the 75th edition of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC). This congress brings together experts, professionals, and enthusiasts from the space sector worldwide to discuss advancements in space technologies, research, and exploration.

The theme of IAC 2024 was “Responsible Space for Sustainability,” an exceedingly interesting topic that prompted us to attend to discover if, and in what terms, there could be cross-pollination between the two sectors, nautical and astronautical, which only intersect through the biosphere—an environment where the conditions for life are created.

We were pleased to meet two companies that work between these two sectors: Aubert & Duval and Bercella Srl from Parma, as well as the designer Gianpaolo Nari, the designer of the Rossinavi M/Y Akula, launched this spring. He too was attracted by the themes of the conference and accompanied us on our exploration of this “space journey” and its synthesis.

PressMare: Gianpaolo Nari, what drove you to visit IAC 2024?

Gianpaolo Nari: I was driven by my curiosity and passion for space activities. It was a truly rare opportunity, considering that the last International Astronautical Congress dates back to 2012, when it was held in Naples. Beyond curiosity, I was also guided by the hope of finding insights that could somehow be relevant and innovative for my field, yacht design. When I read that IAC 2024 was dedicated to eco-design and sustainability in space, it would have been easy to think that the congress’ theme was just following a trendy topic, now omnipresent in every field. However, I was aware that it was a genuinely interesting and highly relevant theme.

PM: Indeed, by attending some of the conferences, we realized that the challenges discussed in the nautical industry today are very similar to those that space agencies worldwide are already addressing, with issues that are closely related to the yacht industry as well.

GN: “The issue of reducing orbital debris is perhaps the most evident and understandable, representing a clear starting point for reflecting on the environmental impact in space, just as it happens in our oceans, where waste accumulation is becoming one of the most urgent environmental challenges. Although there are initiatives in place, a coordinated large-scale approach is still lacking to effectively tackle the problem. New eco-design strategies will therefore focus on the use of materials that degrade over time or that can be recovered once the mission is complete. However, this is just one of many examples of how space agencies are adopting innovative solutions to ensure greater sustainability in their operations. The adoption of renewable energy technologies, the use of new lightweight materials, and, not least, the design of settlements on the Moon and Mars, utilizing ‘in situ’ resources, will represent key elements of eco-sustainable design, aiming to consider the environmental impact of the product from the very early stages of design.”

What made this congress particularly interesting is the fact that all involved parties, whether private or public companies, are trying to move in a unified direction, guided by the principle of “space sustainability.” In other words, space is destined to become our next habitat, and we have the responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations.

Regarding the two companies shared between the nautical and space sectors, Bercella Srl, based in Parma, innovates in the field of composite materials. In the nautical sector, it has specialized in the design and production of advanced structural components made of lightweight and durable composite materials, offering solutions that enhance the performance of vessels.

In the aerospace field, Bercella has contributed to significant projects, such as the Vega launcher, by manufacturing components for satellite dispensing systems. This requires compliance with the stringent quality standards of the European Space Agency (ESA), demonstrating a commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Aubert & Duval, part of the group of companies recently acquired by Airbus, Safran, and Tikehau Capital, is a strategic supplier in the aerospace and defense sectors. The company specializes in the production of critical components and high-performance materials, offering innovative solutions in special steels, superalloys, and titanium, essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of aerospace vehicles.

In the yachting industry, Aubert & Duval stands out for its use of high-quality alloys and special steels in the construction of structural elements and mechanical components, which are crucial for ensuring the performance and durability of luxury yachts. Their expertise in producing lightweight and durable materials is especially valued in the design and construction of high-performance yachts.