Leonardo S.p.A. is an Italian multinational company specializing in aerospace, defense, and security, playing a prominent role in major international strategic programs. The company operates across the entire value chain of the space industry, from manufacturing satellites and infrastructure to producing high-tech equipment and sensors. Leonardo's activities include design and development of space systems, management of launch services, satellite control, earth observation services, and integrated communications, with key partnerships through the Space Alliance with Thales. They are a trusted technological partner of governments, defense agencies, and institutions, with products used on missions like Rosetta, Exomars, Galileo, and Copernicus, serving customers like NASA and ESA.
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Massimo Comparini became Managing Director of Leonardo’s Space Division in February 2025.
Leonardo chose Massimo Comparini to lead its satellite constellation effort.
Through Thales Alenia Space, Leonardo builds satellites, through Telespazio it operates them, and through e-GEOS it distributes Earth observation data.
A critical design review for the Leonardo constellation is planned for June 2026.
Leonardo’s proprietary constellation marks a strategic shift toward investing its own capital in a satellite fleet.
Leonardo is building a satellite constellation as a direct investment by the parent company rather than through Thales Alenia Space.
Leonardo’s proprietary constellation adds an owner-operator role to the company’s space business.
Massimo Claudio Comparini is Managing Director of Leonardo's Space Division, Chairman of the Board of Thales Alenia Space, and Chairman of the Assembly of Founders of Gran Sasso Tech.
Before joining Leonardo’s Space Division, Massimo Comparini spent four years as Deputy CEO and Senior Executive Vice President for Observation, Exploration, and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space.
Leonardo’s Space Division works across the satellite value chain through Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio, and e-GEOS.
Leonardo has committed roughly €500 million to a fleet of approximately 20 satellites carrying SAR, optical, and communications payloads.
C. Milena A. Lerario is the CEO of e-GEOS, which is part of Leonardo.
Massimo Claudio Comparini is the managing director of Space Division at Leonardo and the chairman of the board of Thales Alenia Space.
Leonardo has made attempts in Italy to produce medium drones, but production for the armed forces remains very low.
The Gcap project involves Leonardo, Avio Aero, MBDA, and Elettronica.
The Leonardo-Baykar agreement has not yet created production in Italy.
Thales Alenia Space is a joint venture owned 67% by Thales and 33% by Leonardo.
The Turin redevelopment is intended to strengthen Leonardo and Thales Alenia Space’s existing industrial activities in the city.
The City of Turin’s municipal executive approved a request by Leonardo and Thales Alenia Space to demolish and rebuild a disused production building in northern Turin.
Thales Alenia Space is a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo.