In a bold move to reshape the satellite industry, Europe’s leading aerospace companies—Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo—are exploring plans to create a new joint venture aimed at taking on Elon Musk’s Starlink network.
Dubbed “Project Bromo,” after an iconic Indonesian volcano, the initiative seeks to establish a European satellite powerhouse. The envisioned company would combine satellite assets from each partner, mirroring the collaborative model of MBDA, the missile manufacturer co-owned by Airbus, Leonardo, and BAE Systems.
Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo, confirmed the discussions and expressed enthusiasm for the MBDA-style structure. “That’s the one; it is hard that it can be anything else,” he remarked at an event in Rome.
While specifics are still under wraps, insiders reveal that the merger proposals could take years to materialize. This ambitious plan reflects a multi-pronged effort to revitalize Europe’s struggling space sector and enhance its competitiveness on the global stage.
Traditionally focused on complex geostationary satellites, European manufacturers have faced challenges with the rise of affordable, small satellites operating in low Earth orbit—a market dominated by Musk’s Starlink. Recognizing this shift, Cingolani emphasized that satellites could constitute 75% of the future space economy.
As the space industry evolves, Project Bromo represents Europe’s response to the changing landscape, aiming to foster innovation and collaboration among its aerospace leaders. By joining forces, Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo hope to create a formidable competitor in the satellite market, ensuring that Europe remains a key player in space exploration and technology.
Reference(s):
Space firms plot new European satellite venture to take on Starlink
cgtn.com
