Witness History cover image

Witness History

The visionary behind the European Space Agency

Mar 21, 2025
Andrea Amaldi, grandson of the legendary scientist Edoardo Amaldi, shares a touching story about sending his grandfather's letter to space aboard the Edoardo Amaldi Automated Transfer Vehicle. He discusses Edoardo’s visionary role in establishing the European Space Agency, aimed at uniting Europe's brightest scientific minds. The conversation delves into the emotional weight of sending a personal message to the stars and highlights a family's historical legacy intertwined with the evolution of space exploration in Europe.
10:02

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Quick takeaways

  • Eduardo Amaldi's 1958 letter outlined a vision for a collaborative European space organization, free from military influence and rooted in scientific exploration.
  • In 2012, his grandson Andrea honored Amaldi's legacy by sending the original letter to space, symbolizing its enduring impact on European space collaboration.

Deep dives

The Vision of a European Space Organization

Eduardo Amaldi's visionary letter in 1958 proposed the establishment of a European space organization aimed at advancing scientific exploration in the field of rockets and satellites. He emphasized the need for collaboration among leading European experts, advocating for an initiative that was free from military ties, akin to CERN. This letter stemmed from discussions during a casual lunch with fellow physicists, where Eduardo envisioned a European organization that could compete with US and Soviet space efforts. Although it took years for his idea to materialize, it ignited interest across nations and ultimately laid the groundwork for future cooperative efforts in space science.

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