Virgin Galactic, ALTEC, SITAEL and other representatives. Credit: Virgin Galactic.

US-based Virgin Galactic has signed a framework agreement with ALTEC and SITAEL to launch its space tourism flights from an Italian spaceport.

As part of the deal, a dedicated satellite launch system built by Virgin Galactic’s sister group The Spaceship Company is expected to be constructed at the future Grottaglie Spaceport in Italy.

The Italian Space Agency will use the space vehicle as a science platform for high-frequency space research, while private individuals will be able to use it to launch vehicles to the edge of the space.

Virgin Group founder Richard Branson said: “From the Renaissance to modern space science, Italy has always been a natural home to great innovators and breakthrough ideas which have shaped the human experience.

“I believe Italy’s vision which has led to this collaboration with our Virgin space companies, will provide a real impetus as we strive to open space for the benefit of life on Earth. This partnership could see Virgin Galactic launch the first person in history into space from Italian soil – and in fact from any European territory.

“We will help to expand opportunities for science, industry and the millions of people who dream of experiencing space for themselves.”

“Together, we will help to expand opportunities for science, industry and the millions of people who dream of experiencing space for themselves.”

In addition, SITAEL, a privately-owned space company in Italy, is partnering with ALTEC and Virgin Galactic to outline the framework of spaceflight operations to be conducted from the Grottaglie Spaceport.

SITAEL will also provide technological and industrial input, which will be based at Italy’s Taranto-Grottaglie Airport.

Earlier this year, the Taranto-Grottaglie Airport was selected by the Italian aviation authority ENAC to conduct the country’s future horizontally-launched spaceflights.

Virgin Galactic signed a memorandum of understanding with ALTEC, a public-private company jointly owned by Italian Space Agency and Thales Alenia Space, in September last year.

Last year, the US Department of State approved a technical assistance agreement to develop a plan for an Italian spaceport to provide the infrastructure for future Virgin Galactic suborbital flights.

Virgin Galactic’s operational headquarters will remain at Spaceport America in New Mexico.