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Sartorian News Network

President Pellegrini held a ceremony today at the Casa Baglio to sign into law the International Space Cooperation Expansion Law, a bill that passed earlier this week with significant support from both the ruling National Alliance and the opposition Social Alliance. The law authorised the Ministry of Scientific Research and Development to increase space cooperation with countries outside the Valentian Alliance (VA), including the following items:

• Increased exchange of scientific data obtained from telescopes and space stations.

• Opening of student slots for foreign astronaut candidates at the Valerio Ricardi Aerospace Academy, Sartoria's foremost institution for astronaut training and certification.

• Opening of limited crew slots for foreign astronauts at Apollo City, Sartoria's apollian base.

The law was contentious since its introduction after the 2074 House Election. While the National Alliance favoured a focus on strengthening the VA, the Social Alliance argued that this should not be done at the expense of enhancing Sartoria's presence in the world stage via cooperation with neutral and Commonwealth-aligned countries. The law eventually passed after both alliances agreed to support it in exchange for enhancing preferential treatment for VA members on a variety of issues ranging from space to foreign trade and supporting small businesses.

Minister of Scientific Research Flavia Polidori has announced that preparations are already underway to accept requests from foreign governments on any of the items contemplated by the new law.