Thales Alenia Space plays pivotal role in European research program Horizon 2020
Some of the projects awarded to Thales Alenia Space concern the company’s key sectors, namely satellite navigation and its applications, current and future Earth observation system, and space exploration. Other projects focus more on innovation per se, in terms of advanced technologies, products and industrial processes. Thales Alenia Space is also involved in key projects for the space sector and for Europe, including the management of space debris, European independence and competitiveness, and independent access to space.
Thales Alenia Space welcomes H2020 as one of the vital initiatives needed to develop a strong, independent and competitive Europe,” said Jean Loïc Galle, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “We have also confirmed our commitment to fostering innovation and incorporating smaller businesses in the value chain, so we can play a full-fledged role as growth driver and job creator in Europe. However, H2020 also encourages us to not rest on our laurels, but to continue our competitive drive to be ready for upcoming global challenges.”
Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Finmeccanica (33%), is a key European player in space telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, exploration and orbital infrastructures. Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio form the two parent companies' “Space Alliance”, which offers a complete range of services and solutions. Because of its unrivaled expertise in dual (civil/military) missions, constellations, flexible payloads, altimetry, meteorology and high-resolution optical and radar instruments, Thales Alenia Space is the natural partner to countries that want to expand their space program. The company posted consolidated revenues of 2.1 billion euros in 2015, and has 7,500 employees in eight countries. www.thalesaleniaspace.com