Thales Alenia Space to create a Digital Center of Excellence in Luxembourg

 

Cannes, June 18, 2019 – By signing today a Letter of Intent with the Ministry of the Economy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg regarding the creation of a Digital Center of Excellence in Luxembourg, Thales Alenia Space, a Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%) confirms its intention to accelerate its initiatives and cooperation with Luxembourg. This new center, Thales Alenia Space in Luxembourg, will focus on the development of highly innovative digital solutions for space telecommunications and observation products.

Fully supported by The Ministry of the Economy of Luxembourg and the Luxembourg Space Agency, the initiative is totally aligned and in synergy with Luxembourg’s Space and Digital Strategy.

The Digital Center of Thales Alenia Space is expected to be operational in Luxembourg by end of year 2019 and will be designed as well as  organized according to the experience and best practices inspired by Thales Digital Factory.

“With this new Digital Center, Thales Alenia Space plans to develop Innovative Minimum Viable Products (MVP) in close relation with its customers, to be an anchor for local and regional business development and to actively participate in the Luxembourg innovation ecosystem”, declared Jean Loïc Galle, CEO of Thales Alenia Space.

 

“I welcome this initiative to create a Digital Centre of Excellence with Thales Alenia Space. Digital Transformation and Space Technologies have become a crucial topic for businesses in today’s rapidly changing and complex environment. Luxembourg therefore strives to nurture the latest digital technological developments to achieve the digital economy of tomorrow. In line with our data-driven innovation strategy and policy for the development of commercial space, Luxembourg is well-positioned to work with Thales Alenia Space to foster technologies that can support an efficient and sustainable space sector, as well as encourage further uptake of space-based products by end users,” declared Etienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Economy.

About the Luxembourg Space Agency

The objective of the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) is to develop the space sector in Luxembourg by fostering new and existing companies, developing human resources, facilitating access to funding and supporting academic research. The agency implements the national space economic development strategy, manages national space research and development programs, and leads the SpaceResources.lu initiative. Furthermore, the LSA represents Luxembourg within the European Space Agency and space-related programs of the European Union and the United Nations.

Luxembourg Space Agency – Press Contact:

Lynn Robbroeckx    

Tel: + 352 621 325 604    lynn.robbroeckx@space-agency.lu

 

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 management, 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 parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of about 2.5 billion euros in 2018 and has around 8,000 employees in nine countries. www.thalesaleniaspace.com

 

Thales Alenia Space – Press Contacts:

Sandrine Bielecki    

Tel: +33 (0)4 92 92 70 94  sandrine.bielecki@thalesaleniaspace.com

Chrystelle Dugimont

Tel: +33 (0)4 92 92 74 06  chrystelle.dugimont@thalesaleniaspace.com

Cinzia Marcanio   

Tel: +39 06 41512685         cinzia.marcanio@thalesaleniaspace.com