Three European companies have joined forces to compete with SpaceX

Dmytro Dzhugalyk Author of news on Mezha.Media. I write about what I am actively interested in, namely technology, games and cinema.

Airbus, Leonardo and Thales have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to merge their space divisions into a new joint venture. The purpose of this partnership is to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy in space and increase its competitiveness on the global market, in particular with the American SpaceX.

The new structure will include the space divisions of Airbus Defense and Space, as well as the shares of Leonardo and Thales in the companies Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space. Airbus will own 35% of the company, others – 32.5%, but the management will be shared.

The company is expected to start operations in 2027 after receiving regulatory approvals. The new player will have around 25,000 employees and an annual turnover of around €6.5 billion. The company also expects to have a backlog of orders for more than three years ahead.

The heads of the three companies called it a “turning point for Europe’s space industry”, which will allow to combine innovative resources, expand export opportunities and support national space programs.