Core Viewpoint - The three major European aerospace companies, Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo, have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a new company that will merge their satellite and space businesses, aiming to enhance Europe's strategic autonomy in the space sector [1] Group 1: Company Formation and Objectives - The new company is expected to commence operations in 2027, pending regulatory approval, and will employ approximately 25,000 people across Europe, with an anticipated annual revenue of €6.5 billion [1] - The initiative aims to integrate the satellite and space system manufacturing and services of the three companies, creating a unified and resilient European aerospace entity capable of competing globally and expanding exports [1] - The new entity will serve as a partner for European sovereign space projects, responsible for their development and implementation [1] Group 2: Strategic Importance and Competitive Landscape - The establishment of the new company is described as a significant milestone in strengthening the European space ecosystem, enhancing Europe's position in innovation, strategic autonomy, and global competitiveness [1] - The initiative is partly motivated by the need to counter the dominance of the U.S. SpaceX's Starlink satellite network services [1] - The headquarters of the new company will be located in Toulouse, France, where Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo have production and R&D centers [1] Group 3: Cost Savings and Resource Optimization - Airbus has indicated that through resource integration and technology sharing, the new company is expected to save "hundreds of millions of euros" annually [1]
欧洲三大航天巨头将整合卫星及太空业务