🚀 Big space news! Airbus, Leonardo and Thales are moving fast on "Project Bromo"—a joint space startup named after Indonesia's iconic Bromo volcano. Their mission? To build and launch affordable low-Earth orbit satellites that can rival SpaceX's Starlink network.
Under the plan, the new European firm will handle both satellite production and launch services for civilian and military clients. Think of it like combining your fav tech startups but in the sky 🌌. In June, Leonardo's head Roberto Cingolani hinted they could seal the deal by July, but cross-border talks have pushed timelines a bit.
Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, told Italy’s Corriere della Sera, "We are on the right path but there are still aspects to clear up before such an important step." Key challenge? Balancing national interests and EU-wide coordination without slowing down the hype 🚦.
Insider sources say Leonardo and Thales may merge their current space ventures—Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio—into this new outfit, likely headquartered in Toulouse, France (Airbus’s hometown 🏠). Final details are still being hashed out.
With the space race heating up and demand for low-orbit satellite services skyrocketing (hello, global internet & remote sensing!), keep an eye on Project Bromo. If all goes well, the pact could be inked later this year. Asian space fans, get ready for more rocket selfies 🚀🌍!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
