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Thales Alenia Space welcomes decisions made by European Space Agency’s Ministerial Council Space19+

The company is ready to deploy its expertise and capabilities to contribute to the new challenges

 

Cannes, December 2, 2019 – Following the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Ministerial Council meeting, Space19+, in Seville, Spain, Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), welcomed the announcements of the most ambitious plan for the European space sector and the sustained commitment of the Member States in space endeavors.

The important decisions taken confirm Europe’s central role in space, with a comprehensive set of programs to boost Europe’s growing space economy and the competitiveness of its space sector and make breakthrough discoveries about Earth, our Solar System and the Universe.

 

New ambition, new challenges!

Thales Alenia Space fully supports Europe’s decision to continue the journey to Mars and participate in the Mars Sample Return mission. This international mission to the Red Planet, designed to collect samples from the surface of Mars and bring them back to Earth, is a major new step forward in our exploration of the Solar System.

In addition to continuing its commitment to the International Space Station through 2030, Europe will also contribute, along with partners from around the world, to future Moon exploration missions by providing vital modules for transportation and for the first space station to orbit the Moon.

Thales Alenia Space welcomes the decision on the Space Rider, the successor to Europe’s IXV reentry demonstrator. This next-generation reusable automated transportation system will provide Europe with the unique capacity for routine access and return from low Earth orbit.

ESA’s world-leading position in Earth observation will be strengthened with the advent of several new missions, in particular addressing topics concerning climate change. The European Union’s Copernicus program, which plays a key role in monitoring our environment, will expand its scope with new flagship missions.

In the science field, Thales Alenia Space welcomes the renewed ambition of ESA and its Member States aiming at increasing knowledge and giving mankind inspiration, with exciting missions, such as ARIEL, Athena and LISA.

ESA initiative to answer to the ongoing revolution of the satellite telecommunication market, endorsing the development of innovative flexible solutions and boosting the satellite’s role as an integral part of the digital revolution is a fundamental step to consolidate competitiveness and European leadership.

Jean-Loïc Galle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thales Alenia Space, said: “We welcome the decisions taken at the Ministerial Council and we are ready to deploy our full range of proven expertise, capabilities and solutions to support ESA in all these new exciting endeavors.”

 

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 2.5 billion euros in 2018 and has 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

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

Tarik Lahlou         
Tel : +33 (0)5 34 35 35 67    
tarik.lahlou@thalesaleniaspace.com