European Space Agency Director General Josef Aschbacher (R) is pictured with European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius and welcomed the proposed joint space venture announced Thursday by Airbus, Leonardo and Thales. Photo by Olivier Hoslet/EPA
Oct. 24 (UPI) — Officials for Airbus, Leonardo and the Thales Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a new space-focused entity to lead the European Union’s space endeavors.
France-based aerospace firm Airbus announced the joint effort on Thursday and said its goal is to “strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy in space.”
Along with Rome-based Leonardo and France-based Thales, the new space entity will advance “critical infrastructure and services” that are related to telecommunications, global navigation, Earth observation, science, exploration and national security, according to Airbus.
“This proposed new company marks a pivotal milestone for Europe’s space industry,” Airbus Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury, Leonardo Chief Executive Officer Roberto Cingolani and Thales Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Patrice Caine said in a joint statement.
“It embodies our shared vision to build a stronger and more competitive European presence in an increasingly dynamic global space market,” they continued.
“By pooling our talent, resources, expertise and R&D