Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract worth €25m ($27.10m) with the European Space Agency (ESA) to demonstrate a complete cargo delivery service to and from space stations in low-Earth orbit by 2028. The initiative, dubbed the LEO Cargo Return Service, will see collaborative efforts between Thales Alenia Space and ESA to revolutionise space logistics.
The contract’s first phase, spanning from June 2024 to June 2026, will witness Thales Alenia Space, serving as the prime contractor, spearhead the service’s development. Activities during this period will include formulating a robust business plan, engaging potential investors and customers, and initiating spacecraft development encompassing requirements, architectures, and technology maturation.
Thales Alenia Space Italy will lead as the industrial prime contractor, with Thales Alenia Space France contributing to spacecraft development. Additionally, ALTEC, a joint venture between Thales Alenia Space Italia and the Italian Space Agency, will oversee Ground Segment and Recovery Ground Support Infrastructure developments. The project’s industrial team will expand during Phase 1 to leverage European space industry expertise efficiently.
Phase 2 will see further service and spacecraft development culminating in a demonstration mission aimed at delivering pressurised cargo to the International Space Station (ISS) and safely returning it to Earth by the end of 2028.
This endeavour unfolds amidst a dynamic space exploration landscape, blending institutional and commercial ventures in Low Earth Orbit, Moon, and Mars missions. Thales Alenia Space endeavours to pioneer a competitive, flexible end-to-end commercial passenger and cargo transport service, setting new benchmarks in innovation and efficiency and solidifying its position as a space industry leader.
Speaking about the contract, Massimo Comparini, Deputy CEO and Senior Executive Vice President, Observation, Exploration and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space, said: “We’re truly honoured that ESA has placed its trust in our company by awarding the contract to develop cargo transportation services for commercial operators of Low Earth Orbit stations, thus giving us, as a leading European company, the opportunity to develop a commercial service to offer on the global market. Thales Alenia Space has played, in the recent past, a key role in enabling mankind’s ambitions in Low Earth Orbit. Today, leveraging on its expertise in space exploration infrastructure and vehicles, the company, fully in line with the European Space Agency’s vision, wishes to invest in the development of technological solutions to give Europe sustainable access to Low Earth Orbit”.
With over 40 years of space exploration and transportation experience, including contributions to the International Space Station, Lunar Gateway, and flagship programmes like IXV and Space Rider, Thales Alenia Space is poised to address evolving needs in space logistics and transportation, preparing for humanity’s future in space beyond the ISS era.
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