A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches an Airbus-built SpainSat satellite in January. [Courtesy: Airbus]
Key Takeaways:
Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo are creating a joint venture to merge their satellite manufacturing and space services businesses by 2027.
The collaboration aims to challenge SpaceX's dominance in the commercial space industry and strengthen Europe's autonomy in the strategic space domain.
The new entity will focus on satellite systems and services, intentionally excluding launch vehicle activities despite some partners' involvement in that sector.
This move comes as European space companies have faced significant challenges and job cuts amid SpaceX's rise, driven by its cost-effective reusable rocket technology.
A trio of European aerospace companies are pooling their resources in a bid to eat at SpaceX’s share of the commercial space industry.
Last week, Airbus joined forces with France’s Thales and Italy’s Leonardo to create an as-yet unnamed joint venture, combining the firms’ satellite manufacturing and space systems, components, and services businesses.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
