An important agreement was signed in Beijing on November 17, during the 2015 China‐Italy Science, Technology And Innovation Week, between Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), China HEAD Aerospace Co and SITAEL.

The objective of the agreement was to setup a joint Sino-Italian Microsatellite R&D center, aimed at the design and development of small, innovative and multi-purpose platforms.

The official ceremony culminated with the signing of a cooperation agreement by Professor Zhang Wei (Director of SISE, SAST), Mr. Zhou Dachuang  (CEO of China HEAD Aerospace), and Dr. Nicola Zaccheo (CEO of SITAEL).

The crowded ceremony was also attended by the Italian Minister of Research and Education Professor Stefania Giannini, by Professor Wan Gang, Chinese Minister of Science and Technology and by Professor Roberto Battiston, Chairman of the Italian Space Agency.