Panel: Innovation and Advancements in Satellite Earth Observation for Geoscience (Missions, Sensors and Application)
Date: 6th October 2025
Moderated by Giovanni Sylos Labini (Planetek Italia)
GIOVANNI SYLOS LABINI
Chief Executive Officer, Planetek Italia
As CEO of Planetek Italia, Giovanni leads one of Europe’s most innovative companies in space technology and Earth observation. Beyond his role at Planetek, he serves as Vice Chairman of both EARSC (the European Association of Remote Sensing Companies) and the Apulian Aerospace District (DTA). He's also a board member of SME4SPACE—the voice of European aerospace SMEs—and a former President of AIPAS, the Italian association representing aerospace SMEs.
With a degree in Physics and a deep-rooted passion for space, his career spans decades of groundbreaking work. He began at the Italian National Research Council’s Earth Observation Division, playing a key role in space geodesy and contributing to major international collaborations, including work with NASA on the LAGEOS II satellite and long-term geodesy and geophysics strategy.
From 1988 to 1995, he was a senior figure at the Italian Space Agency (ASI), serving as Director of its Center for Space Geodesy and representing Italy on the ESA Earth Observation Program Board. He later shared his expertise as a professor at IUAV University of Venice and through collaborations with the Nettuno Institute.
A published expert in signal and image analysis and space systems, his influence spans research, industry leadership, and international cooperation.
And when he’s not shaping the future of space, he’s navigating the seas—an accomplished sailor with two Italian and one European Offshore Championship titles to his name.
Dell'elce Gianluca
Director of Global Business Development, Viridien Earth Data
Dell’Elce is a seasoned professional with 17 years of experience in the energy sector, complemented by a brief foray into bioremediation. Over the years, he has developed deep expertise in geophysical monitoring, with a strong emphasis on remote sensing as well as marine and terrestrial geophysics and geotechnics.
Currently serving as Head of the Geodynamics and Geophysical Monitoring Department at ENI, Dell’Elce leads a broad portfolio of critical operations. His responsibilities encompass geophysical and geotechnical surveys, remote sensing programs, geohazard and metocean studies, as well as geodynamic, microseismic, and geophysical monitoring activities. He also coordinates the MMV (Measurement, Monitoring, and Verification) team, playing a key role in the development and execution of MMV plans.
Previously, Dell’Elce held the position of Storage and Production Geophysical Monitoring Representative at ENI, where he was instrumental in preparing MMV plans for CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) projects and overseeing induced seismicity monitoring.
With a background in geology, Dell’Elce completed his Master's thesis in collaboration with INGV Rome, titled “Analysis of Ground Deformation in Central and Southern Abruzzo Using Multitemporal Interferometry of SAR Data.”
A Chartered Geologist since 2019, he is a Fellow of the Geological Society of London and, since 2024, has served as an assessor for new Chartered Geologist applicants. He also represents ENI on the IOGP Geomatics Committee, further contributing to the advancement of geoscience within the global energy industry.
Emmanuel Pajot
Secretary General,European Association of Remote Sensing Companies (EARSC)
Emmanuel Pajot serves as the Secretary General of the European Association of Remote Sensing Companies (EARSC). A geologist by training, he is a specialist in remote sensing with over 20 years of experience in projects and research studies. He joined EARSC in 2017, focusing on activities that support SMEs in developing new services and engaging with institutions and user communities.
He holds a PhD in the use of radar data to quantify geological features and has conducted projects on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferometry, as well as Land Use/Land Cover mapping utilising high and very high-resolution optical data, along with temporal analysis.
From 2003 to 2010, he worked as a consultant for the energy sector, mapping geological features, identifying risks for field operations, and monitoring assets. From 2011 to 2017, he established an Earth Observation team at SPIE Oil & Gas and was involved in business development for international companies in Europe and the United States, developing innovative solutions for monitoring exploration and operations activities.
JUAN TOMAS HERNANI
CEO, SATLANTIS
CEO of SATLANTIS, a leading mid-cap company specializing in Earth Observation (EO) space technologies. SATLANTIS develops advanced submetric cameras across LWIR, SWIR, and VNIR spectrums, delivering cutting-edge solutions for methane leak detection, wildfire monitoring, and defense applications. The company operates in Spain, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, with a track record of 100% successful space missions. Its investor base includes industrial leaders such as ENAGAS and WILLIAMS; investment funds like ORZA and BP Energy Partners; and institutional entities including ICO, SEPI, CDTI, the Basque Government, and the Diputación Foral de Bizkaia.
Independent Coordinating Board Member at DOMINION, a publicly listed company with a valuation exceeding USD 1 billion, focused on industrial and technological services.
Board Member of EGILE and MODALIA.
Visiting Professor of Innovation Management at the University of Florida and Deusto Business School.
