Astrophysicist Simonetta Di Pippo is the new director of the Space Economy Evolution Lab (SEE Lab) at the SDA Bocconi laboratory in Italy. This laboratory was founded in 2018 by Andrea Sommariva (who died in August 2021). The purpose of this laboratory is to study the economy of space and the economic repercussions of space activities. From 2014 to 2022 Dr. Simonetta Di Pippo served as Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), based in Vienna. Prior to her service at the United Nations she was a senior official of the European Space Agency where she served as Director of Human Spaceflight. She has previously served as Director of the Obeservation of the Universe at the Italian Space Agency. She previously led the European Space Policy Observatory Agenziz Spaziale Italian (ASI)-Brussels. Director of Human Spaceflight of the European Space Agency from 2008 to 2011, and Director of the Observation of the Universe at ASI from 2002 to 2008

She holds a Master’s Degree in Astrophysics and Space Physics from University La Sapienza, an Honoris Causa Degree in Environmental Studies, and an Honoris Causa Degree of Doctor in International Affairs. In 2008, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) named asteroid 21887 "dipippo" in honour of her contribution to space activities and in 2006, she was knighted by the President of the Italian Republic as Cavaliere Ufficiale.
She has been an Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) since 2013, and since 2016 a member of the IAA Board of Trustees. Ms. Di Pippo is also a member of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council on space technology since 2016. She co-founded Women in Aerospace Europe in 2009. In 2017, she became a UN International Gender Champion.