ASI was founded in 1988. Its purpose was to coordinate all of Italy's efforts and investments in the space sector that had begun in the 1960s. ASI has become one of the most significant players in the world in space science, satellite technologies and the development of mobile systems for exploring the Universe. Today, it has a key role at the European level where Italy is the third contributor country to the European Space Agency. ASI’s strong relationship with NASA has led to its participation in many of the most interesting scientific missions of recent years such as the construction and activities of the International Space Station. Thanks to ASI's efforts, the Italian scientific community has had unprecedented successes in recent years in astrophysics and cosmology. ASI has also significantly contributed to space exploration. One of ASI most important programme is Cosmo-SkyMed, aimed at improving our knowledge of the Earth, but ASI also has the leadership in the European programme VEGA, the small rocket fully designed in Italy.