The Space Domain is of Strategic Importance: Leonardo Space Division Chief

Massimo Claudio Comparini, Managing Director, Space Division at Leonardo, says the company’s strategy in the space domain is to provide end-to-end solutions, integrating the digital world with space technologies and services.

The combination of strong R&D capabilities in areas such as AI and space technologies, together with the growing relevance of markets in East and Southeast Asia, makes the Space Summit 2026 particularly important, he says in an interview with Atul Chandra of GBP Daily News.

Leonardo has traditionally been a pillar of Europe’s international space ecosystem. Can you talk to us about Leonardo’s strategy for the space sector?

Today’s space infrastructures and services are increasingly centred on data — how it is collected, processed, and turned into actionable information. We believe that the convergence of space technologies with digital technologies such as high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and cloud-based services is essential to the evolution of space systems. Our strategy is therefore to provide end-to-end solutions, integrating the digital world with space technologies and services.

Can you throw some light on Project Bromo?

Bromo is an example of the potential consolidation of the European space industry. By bringing together the activities of Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo, consolidation enables two key outcomes. First, it creates the critical mass required to scale up and compete globally. Second, it strengthens the European supply chain — including small and medium enterprises — enabling them to compete at a global level. We see this as an opportunity both for shareholders and for the wider European space ecosystem.

Satellites are now considered critical national infrastructure. How is Leonardo ensuring these systems are protected against threats, whether physical or cyber?

This is one of the main reasons we established a dedicated Space Division. It allows us to bring together expertise from across the Group. Leonardo has a strong cyber division, and our cyber and space teams work very closely together to develop next-generation space systems that are resilient and cyber-protected by design. Space infrastructure is critical infrastructure and must be protected accordingly. We believe we have the right technologies and know how to do so.

We are seeing growing consolidation of European technology, alongside increasing strategic divergence with the US. How important is it for Leonardo to remain a key European player?

Leonardo has demonstrated that it can operate at the leading edge of space technologies. Flagship programmes such as Copernicus and Galileo are clear examples of cutting-edge systems built by the European space industry. Leonardo is a key pillar of Europe’s space sector, with a strong global perspective. We believe we can play an important role in further strengthening Europe’s sovereign space capabilities.

Leonardo operates across commercial, defence, and space domains. What synergies exist across these divisions?

Space is essential from many different perspectives. It underpins economic activity, supports national and international security, and enables both commercial and defence capabilities. It is therefore an enabling domain that cuts across commercial, defence, and security sectors. This cross-domain relevance is a key strength for Leonardo.

There is significant focus on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites today. What are Leonardo’s plans in this area?

LEO satellites are extremely important for connectivity. At the European level, there is the IRIS² programme for secure connectivity, and Italy also has national initiatives. Our particular focus is on the geospatial domain. We are launching an Earth-observation constellation capable of multi-sensing — optical and radar — with fully integrated tasking and multi-mission capability. These satellites will feature onboard AI, high-performance computing, and interconnectivity, allowing information to be delivered to users as quickly as possible.

Key applications include maritime surveillance, infrastructure monitoring, security, and intelligence — all major themes at this space summit.

Space debris and sustainability are increasingly important issues. How is Leonardo addressing space sustainability and space domain awareness?

From a sensing perspective, Leonardo has extensive experience in optical and infrared sensing. We develop payloads that provide critical information for Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and space surveillance. Through our space alliance — including Telespazio for operations, ground infrastructure, and services, and Thales Alenia Space for satellite infrastructure — we are able to build a wide range of architectures for space surveillance and space situational awareness. This capability combines ground-based assets, developed by our electronics division, with space-based assets delivered by our space division.