Leonardo is building its own Earth observation constellation. Called Space Guardian, it is expected to launch its first nine satellites between late 2027 and early 2028, according to Massimo Claudio Comparini, managing director of Leonardo's space division, speaking to ANSA.
The full project includes 18 satellites and a total investment of half a billion. Comparini spoke on the sidelines of the Space Economy General States event held at the Farnesina. In September, Leonardo completed the system design review for the programme, keeping it on schedule.
Image: Leonardo — https://space.leonardo.com/it/home
The constellation will produce geospatial data, meaning information about the territory drawn from imagery and measurements taken from space. Comparini describes it as the first European constellation whose satellites will be interconnected by laser links, with computing capacity and artificial intelligence on board.
The first nine satellites will launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9. Comparini said the others will also fly on the same rocket, with launch planned for early 2029. He said the commitment is to meet the schedule, calling it a "very, very challenging adventure".
Image: Leonardo — https://space.leonardo.com/it/news-and-stories-detail/-/detail/new-boost-space-economy-pnrr
The project fits into the broader debate on public-private investment in European space, a theme the group links to its industrial strategy and to European technological autonomy.
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