Simonetta Di Pippo is an Italian astrophysicist and former Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).

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 Carlo Azeglio Ciampi.

Author of one book and co-author of another three, of more than 60 publications, more than 700 articles and interviews on magazines and newspapers, members and president of scientific committees of international congresses, member and president of scientific awards’ juries, she has been invited to teach at various universities, including the George Washington University in Washington D.C., and the LUISS-Business School in Rome.

Di Pippo was knighted by the President of the Italian Republic in 2006 and, in 2008, the International Astronomical Union assigned the name "dipippo" to asteroid 21887, in recognition of her effort in space exploration.

Alongside her team in the Office of the Director, Di Pippo co-ordinates and oversees reports on budgetary and programme performance matters as well as public information and outreach activities to promote the benefits of outer space for humanity.