Published on July 16, 2026
In Memoriam: Prof. Teodoro Valente
President, Italian Space Agency (ASI)
News of Professor Teodoro Valente’s passing reached us with profound sorrow.
Until his last days, he bore the weighty responsibilities entrusted to him as President of ASI and Chair of the 69th session of COPUOS, openly embracing demanding roles that few would undertake so unsparingly. His relentless commitment left an indelible mark across the space diplomacy landscape.
It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to measure the true breadth of his influence. Unquestionably, he was a pioneer. For Professor Valente, space was not simply a field of innovation - it became a bridge for dialogue, for inclusion, for open-handed partnership. He was instrumental in elevating Italian leadership on the international stage, while also investing great energy in fostering openness and collaboration beyond national or institutional boundaries.
He was pivotal in strengthening the collaboration between the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) to advance the International Space Forum (ISF) and provided unwavering support for the successful hosting of the inaugural IAF Global Space Leaders Summit (GSLS) at IAC 2024 in Milan, Italy - the largest gathering of space leaders in history. For these achievements he was recognized with the IAF Distinguished Service Award (DSA), a testament to his enduring commitment and influential presence within the global space community.
He framed space as a vital instrument for diplomacy, reminding us that “space offers a powerful avenue for partnership, mutual understanding, and shared growth”. These words capture the generous, bridging spirit he embodied in his mission.
Those of us who called him friend, colleague, or mentor - the entire space community - are united now by the irreplaceable vacuum he leaves behind. Our thoughts are with his family above all.
On behalf of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), we extend our heartfelt condolences to our colleagues at ASI and to Professor Valente’s family during this difficult time. He will be very deeply missed.