Europe's big three aerospace manufacturers combine their space divisions to create a rival to SpaceX

European aerospace giants Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales are merging their space divisions. This collaboration aims to create a formidable European competitor in the space industry, drawing inspiration from SpaceX. The new entity, based in France, will boast approximately 25,000 employees. Airbus will hold a 35% stake, while Leonardo and Thales each own 32.5%. The primary goals are to enhance European space "sovereignty" and challenge SpaceX's dominance, particularly in satellite networks. The joint venture intends to pool resources, expertise, and R&D for growth and innovation. The merger will not cause any immediate site closures, preserving existing capabilities across home countries. The newly formed company will operate independently, focusing initially on satellite development and manufacturing efficiency. Discussions about the merger have been ongoing since 2019, with anticipated regulatory approval and a 2027 launch date. Meanwhile, SpaceX is actively developing its Starship and planning a manned lunar mission, which faces potential delays. This European initiative could reshape the global space race significantly.