• Thales Alenia Space signed a contract with the Italian Space Agency to lead the preliminary design and development of technologies for the Multi-Purpose Habitation (MPH) module, set to become the first dedicated human habitat on the Moon under the NASA-ASI Artemis partnership.

• Scheduled to launch in 2033, the MPH will serve as a mobile, long-duration lunar shelter supporting astronaut missions, scientific research, and sustainable surface operations over a planned 10-year lifespan.

• Italy becomes central to the Moon-to-Mars strategy through this initiative, with Thales Alenia Space leading a national consortium to tackle extreme lunar conditions and develop technologies for future interplanetary missions.

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PRESS RELEASE — Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a contract with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) to perform the preliminary design phase, including development of critical enabling technologies, of the pressurized Multi-Purpose Habitation (MPH) module for the lunar surface.

Planned for launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in 2033, the MPH module will be the first ever dedicated habitation asset on the lunar surface as part of the Artemis Accords between NASA and ASI for bilateral Moon cooperation. The MPH module will safely host astronauts during their missions, support surface operations, enable scientific research experiments both with and without the presence of a human crew; and have the capability to move on the surface.

Designed for a minimum operational lifespan of 10 years, the MPH will serve as a permanent surface habitat, capable of operating synergistically with other elements of the Artemis architecture.

Part rover, part lunar shelter

Over the course of the two-year contract, Thales Alenia Space Italy will act as overall prime contractor, working alongside Altec (a public-private company owned by Thales Alenia Space and ASI) and other Italian industrial entities, for the MPH preliminary design phase. The initial development will focus on enabling technologies aimed at facing the harsh environmental conditions on the lunar surface, including extreme thermal variations, pervasive lunar dust, high radiation levels, micrometeoroid impacts, and the effects of reduced lunar gravity. In collaboration with the Industrial consortium members and space agencies, the company will lead the development of the MPH module to advance scientific discovery on the Moon, enable sustainable lunar exploration and drive the knowledge and technologies needed to support human missions to Mars.

Teodoro Valente, President of the Italian Space Agency, emphasized: “MPH represents yet another scientific challenge for Italy and ASI, which are planning to bring a comfortable and safe human settlement to the lunar surface, thanks to the expertise and high, competitive technological standards that Thales Alenia Space Italy has acquired internationally in the field of space habitability. The future lunar module, the result of the historic relationship between NASA and ASI, is part of a long-term investment vision that Italy has implemented, enabling us to play an increasingly leading role in the new space race and, moreover, to be a fundamental part of the Moon to Mars Strategy of NASA’s Artemis program. Today’s signature confirms the Italian Government’s significant and ongoing commitment to supporting the development of the Space Economy and supporting Italy’s globally recognized excellence. Furthermore, it is important that this act comes just days after Parliament’s approval of the country’s first “Space Law”.

“We are deeply honored that ASI has entrusted Thales Alenia Space with this contract to develop the MPH, giving us, as a leading European company, the opportunity to drive scientific and technological progress in building the first Italian human outpost on the lunar surface. This milestone will further strengthen and advance human space exploration on the Moon and beyond,” said Giampiero Di Paolo, Deputy CEO and Executive Vice President, Observation, Exploration and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space.

About THALES ALENIA SPACE

Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental monitoring, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of solutions including services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of €2.23 billion in 2024 and has more than 8,100 employees in 7 countries with 15 sites in Europe.

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• Blue Skies Space has secured a contract from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) to design a fleet of CubeSats that could orbit the Moon and detect faint radio signals from the early universe.
• Named RadioLuna, the mission aims to use the radio-quiet far side of the Moon to study the universe’s “dark ages,” a period before stars formed, by detecting low-frequency radio emissions obscured on Earth by man-made interference.
• The study will assess the feasibility of using simple, cost-effective CubeSats with commercial components, with Blue Skies Space Italia leading the project and OHB Italia defining the satellite platform for lunar orbit operations.

PRESS RELEASE – Blue Skies Space, a leader in the provision of space science data to the global research community, has secured a contract from the Italian Space Agency (ASI) to design a fleet of satellites that could orbit the Moon and map the early universe.

The project, named RadioLuna, aims to uncover whether a fleet of small satellites in a lunar orbit could detect faint radio signals from the universe’s earliest days—signals that are nearly impossible to pick up on Earth due to man-made radio interference. These signals, in the FM radio range, come from a time before the first stars formed, when the universe was mostly hydrogen gas. By listening from the far side of the Moon, free from Earth’s radio noise, scientists could use the satellites to uncover a missing piece of the puzzle in our understanding of the cosmic “dark ages.”

Dr Marcell Tessenyi, CEO and Co-founder of Blue Skies Space, said: “The idea for this project stemmed from the global efforts to develop the lunar economy. Programmes by space agencies such as ESA Moonlight or NASA Artemis can provide the transport, communication and timing infrastructure to projects such as RadioLuna. We are grateful to the Italian Space Agency for funding this activity with our project partner OHB Italia to explore novel ways of delivering exciting science.”

The study will establish the viability of operating simple and cost-effective CubeSats equipped with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components orbiting the Moon and will be led by Blue Skies Space Italia S.r.l., a subsidiary of UK-based Blue Skies Space Ltd. Project partner OHB Italia will be responsible for the definition of a viable platform in a Moon orbit.

“RadioLuna is a challenge where scientific ambition meets engineering pragmatism,” stated Roberto Aceti, Managing Director of OHB Italia. “We are proud to contribute to the development of an observatory that could open new frontiers in our understanding of the early universe, bringing to the mission our expertise and our M3 platform.”

Dr Tessenyi continued: “We started Blue Skies Space to capitalise on the changes brought by the NewSpace economy. RadioLuna is an excellent opportunity to showcase the benefits these bring to science.”

• According to industry sources, Airbus and Thales are in early discussions about a potential collaboration on their satellite activities to address challenges from new competitors in the space sector.
• These exploratory talks, supported by the French government, follow a similar attempt at a collaboration in 2019 that faced potential anti-trust issues. France’s competition authority stated it is too early to comment on the current discussions.
• Any potential alliance between Airbus and Thales would require approval from both EU and national authorities, including those of France, Italy, and Germany.

Airbus and Thales are reportedly in early discussions about a potential collaboration on their satellite activities. According to industry sources, the goal is to address challenges from new competitors in the space sector.

Both companies have historically dominated the European telecommunications, navigation, and surveillance satellite market. However, they face increasing pressure from companies like SpaceX, which deploys large constellations of low Earth orbit satellites.

These exploratory talks, supported by the French government, follow a similar attempt at a collaboration in 2019 that faced potential anti-trust issues. France’s competition authority stated it is too early to comment on the current discussions.

Airbus has recently struggled with its space services business, leading to significant financial charges. CEO Guillaume Faury mentioned that the company is exploring all strategic options for its space division, including potential mergers.

In 2023, Airbus’s Space Systems generated 20% of its total Defence & Space revenue, amounting to 11.5 billion euros. Thales Alenia Space, which Italian company, Leonardo holds a 33% stake, reported sales of 2.2 billion euros for the same period.

Any potential alliance between Airbus and Thales would require approval from both EU and national authorities, including those of France, Italy, and Germany. The balance of interests, particularly the Franco-German relationship within Airbus, will be crucial.

While generally open to foreign tie-ups, Italy’s government has shown a protective stance towards its strategic assets. This was evident when Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni used anti-takeover powers to block and later clear deals involving Italian companies.

Broadening the alliance beyond France might improve the chances of gaining anti-trust approval. An Italian industry source noted that such collaboration aims to strengthen the sector against competition from players like Starlink.

The talks between Airbus and Thales represent an effort to consolidate and enhance their positions in the competitive space market. The ultimate goal is to adapt to the evolving landscape, a growing trend in the space tech industry.

Image credit: Airbus

• Nine early-stage companies from the United Kingdom, United States, Italy and India joined the Seraphim Space Accelerator.
• The companies are focused on propulsion, cybersecurity, space situational awareness, geospatial insights and in-orbit biotechnology manufacturing.
• The program is designed to provide the selected startups with intensive networking and mentoring support.

Seraphim Space Accelerator has recently announced the latest startups to join its 13th Accelerator program, according to the company’s LinkedIn post.

This cohort includes nine early-stage companies from the United Kingdom, United States, Italy and India, each focusing on key areas such as propulsion, cybersecurity, space situational awareness, geospatial insights and in-orbit biotechnology manufacturing, according to the post.

The accelerator program is designed to provide the selected startups with intensive networking and mentoring support, helping them to grow and prepare for future investments. The diverse range of projects and innovations from these companies underscores the global and multidisciplinary nature of the current space industry advancements.

Among the participants, AADYAH Space Aerospace from India is providing tailored solutions for the next generation of in-orbit missions, while ARKYSIS APLICACIONES SL, based in the U.S., is pioneering new modules for in-orbit operations that can function across various orbital environments, including around the Earth and the moon. From the UK, CarbonLaces Solutions has developed a platform that delivers detailed energy and carbon data to the Built Environment sector, aiming to enhance sustainability at scale.

Four Resolutions Incorporated, another U.S. company, is enhancing the precision of space-based geospatial data through advanced third-party calibration services. UK-based Frontier Space Technologies offers a groundbreaking approach to in-orbit biotechnology, with a modular SpaceLab designed for the manufacturing of bioproducts and pharmaceutical research.

Italy’s SaferPLACES is innovating in the field of flood risk assessment with a digital twin platform that offers actionable insights for city resilience worldwide. Spaceflux, also from the UK, focuses on space traffic management, utilizing novel sensor technologies to prevent orbital collisions.

The cohort also includes a U.S.-based company currently in stealth mode, which is developing unique cybersecurity measures for satellite networks. Viridian Space Corporation from the U.S. is working on innovative propulsion technologies that could allow satellites to maintain Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) longer without depleting propellant.

This 13th accelerator cycle builds on the success of Seraphim’s previous programs, which have seen 95 companies collectively raise over $345 million in investments.

• ESA astronaut Marcus Wandt has returned to Earth after a 20-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
• Upon reentry, the Dragon capsule deployed its parachutes for a water landing off the coast of Florida, USA, completing the return trip in approximately 47 hours.
• During his time aboard the ISS, Marcus supported nearly 20 European experiments
• Image credit: ESA

ESA project astronaut Marcus Wandt has safely returned to Earth after a productive 20-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The conclusion of the Muninn mission marks a significant milestone in European space exploration, showcasing collaboration, scientific achievement, and technological advancement.

Accompanied by the Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) crew, Marcus bid farewell to his fellow astronauts aboard the ISS before closing the hatch of the SpaceX Dragon capsule, as reported by the ESA. The spacecraft autonomously undocked from the ISS and completed approximately 288 orbits around Earth during its journey.

As a mission specialist, Marcus collaborated with international colleagues, including astronauts from Italy, Türkiye, Spain, and the United States. Together, they conducted a range of experiments and technology demonstrations aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and space exploration capabilities.

Upon reentry, the Dragon capsule deployed its parachutes for a water landing off the coast of Florida, USA, completing the return trip in approximately 47 hours. Marcus will now undergo monitoring by ESA’s space medicine team in Cologne, Germany, to readapt to Earth’s gravity.

During his time aboard the ISS, Marcus supported nearly 20 European experiments, contributing to various fields of research. His efforts included operating robots on Earth for the Surface Avatar experiment, investigating the effects of extreme environments on human well-being through the Orbital Architecture study, and exploring the impacts of microgravity on cellular structures and gene expression in the Memo BC experiment.

Additionally, Marcus engaged with global audiences by capturing photos from space and recording a virtual tour of the ISS, fostering inspiration and curiosity among younger generations.

ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher emphasized the mission’s role in diversifying access to space, accelerating scientific advancements, and preparing for future endeavours beyond the ISS.

As European nations continue to invest in space exploration, the legacy of the Muninn mission will shape the trajectory of human and robotic exploration while driving innovation and progress on Earth.

For more market insights, check out our latest space industry news here.

• Italian aerospace innovator, Space Product and Innovation S.r.l (SPiN) has raised €1.63 million in a seed funding round led by Galaxia.
• The funding will be used to scale the startup, intensify research and development, explore commercial opportunities, and qualify the hardware in an operational environment.
• With plans for expansion, the company aims to hire senior executives and further advance the commercial space market by commercializing its products by 2024.

Italian aerospace innovator, Space Product and Innovation S.r.l (SPiN), has successfully closed a €1.63 million in a seed funding round led by Galaxia, alongside Obloo Ventures, Scientifica Venture Capital, and Innova Venture. The funding will accelerate SPiN’s mission to revolutionize space manufacturing and democratize access to space as announced by SPiN.

The company, based in Frascati, Italy, specializes in modular space manufacturing solutions, aiming to transform satellites into modular systems with their Multipurpose Adapter Generic Interface Adapter, MA61C. SPiN’s modularity-as-a-service approach reduces design costs, production costs, and integration time, empowering satellite manufacturers to allocate resources efficiently.

The recent funding will be used to scale the startup, intensify research and development, explore commercial opportunities, and qualify the hardware in an operational environment. SPiN, founded in 2015, has achieved significant milestones, including joining the European Space Agency Business Incubation Center (ESA BIC) and becoming a Techstars portfolio company. With plans for expansion, the company aims to hire senior executives and further advance the commercial space market by commercializing its products by 2024.

For more market insights, check out our latest space industry news here.

• British and Italian Defence Ministers signed a new Joint-Statement of Intent on bilateral defence co-operation.
• Further collaboration will take place through shared projects like the Global Combat Air Programme.
• UK and Italian armed forces will operate together and develop shared capabilities to minimise costs.

PRESS RELEASE — February 9, 2023 – Defence Ministers agreed to work together to support Ukraine, as NATO partners. Further collaboration will take place through shared projects like the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

The UK and Italy have agreed to further strengthen military collaboration as Defence Ministers Ben Wallace and Guido Crosetto signed a new Joint-Statement of Intent on bilateral defence co-operation.

The agreement was signed on Thursday following a bilateral meeting and will see deeper cooperation and collaboration across military operations, particularly in the space and cyber domains.

The ability of the UK and Italian armed forces to operate together and develop shared capabilities to minimise costs is also part of the agreement.

During a bilateral meeting, Ministers discussed the Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, as well as the security situation in Libya and ongoing tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Balkans.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

“Through this new defence agreement with Italy, our long-standing ally and friend, we are deepening our defence collaboration at a vital time for security across Europe and the wider world.”

“Working together as NATO allies to support Ukraine, and also on joint projects including the Global Combat Air Programme, we continue to promote our collective industries and increase our capabilities.”

The Defence Ministers were joined by UK and Italian Foreign and International Trade Ministers at the Pontignano Conference – the biggest and longest-running UK-Italian diplomatic event, taking place on an annual basis.

The meeting of the UK and Italian Defence Secretaries was the first since the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) agreement – a trilateral project between the UK, Italy, and Japan, which was announced by the Prime Minister in December and will deliver the next phase of a combat air fighter jet development.

Due to enter service by 2035, the ambition is for a next-generation jet fighter, enhanced by a network of capabilities such as uncrewed aircraft, sensors, weapons and advanced data systems. Collaboration among the three advanced industrial nations allows sharing of advanced technologies to get the best military capabilities, shares the cost of development as we modernise our capabilities and will strengthen the industrial base in each country.

As part of the trip, the UK Defence Secretary also visited the Leonardo’s aircraft division in Turin, where he met the company’s CEO and discussed the work on GCAP.

SOURCE: UK Government (Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP)

Featured image: Ministry of Defence building. Credit: Andysmith248 CC BY-SA 4.0

For more market insights, check out our latest space industry news here.