CISAS was instituted by the University of Padova in January '91. It includes 37 members, most of them active in Space Research since the early days. Among them there are members of the promoting Departments and also of the Psychology Institute and of the Structures Institute.

Beyond the Faculty members the Centre can profit from the collaboration of nearly 20 people, including departments technical staff and graduate fellows and from the facilities and infrastructures made available by the same departments. For the near future dedicated infrastructures have been planned.

The foundation of CISAS rests on that tradition in Space Research matured within the University over the last 30 years and initiated by Professor Giuseppe Colombo.
Purpose of CISAS is to promote, coordinate and perform studies, research and space activities which can develop interdisciplinary education and collaboration among people involved in Basic Sciences, Applied Research and industrial realisation.

Areas of Competence:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space Optics
- Geodynamics
- Space Structures
- Simulations
- System Engineering
- Space Dynamics
- P/L Instruments
- Space Geodesy
- Planetary Sciences
- Space Medicine
- Robotics
- Space Navigation