The combination of radar and optical capabilities enables more continuous observation of the Earth: radar sensors acquire data even through clouds or at night, while high-resolution optical instruments provide detailed images. The integration of this information improves the quality of the observation picture and makes it possible to respond to different needs, from environmental monitoring to security.

The production of the first satellites of Leonardo’s new Earth Observation constellation involves Thales Alenia Space, with integration, assembly and testing activities at the Space Smart Factory in Rome, a new-generation space factory oriented towards digital and automated processes. The ground segment, designed by Telespazio, also includes dedicated proprietary stations to support data management and distribution.

Value is created through the convergence of Space and digital technologies. Big data, artificial intelligence, cloud and analytical capabilities make it possible to process increasing volumes of information, identify anomalies, monitor the evolution of complex phenomena and generate information products suitable for different operational contexts. The operational chain connects acquisition, processing and distribution: the payload collects the data, on-board processing selects the relevant information, the links between satellites and the ground segment accelerate its availability, and geospatial analysis transforms it into knowledge to support decisions.

The expected applications of Space Guardian include the monitoring of critical infrastructure, maritime security, defence and intelligence, civil protection, and emergency and crisis management. The value of the constellation stems from its ability to connect space infrastructure, on-board technologies, the ground segment and geospatial services. Its architecture will be modular, scalable and federable with third-party systems, with capabilities interoperable with national and European programmes such as Copernicus, IRIDE and COSMO-SkyMed.

An integrated supply chain for the space domain

In the space domain, Leonardo combines space technologies, digital expertise and services through the Space Division and the joint ventures Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space. Its capability covers the entire chain: on-board instruments, space equipment, mission management, ground segment, satellite services, geo-information and data analysis.

Electro-optical payloads are an essential component of observation capability: they are the on-board instruments that acquire images and data from the Earth’s surface. Alongside these, space equipment enables the functions required for mission operation, from power management to on-board control, from navigation to communications, through to the overall reliability of the satellite. Atomic clocks ensure precise timing for navigation satellites, synchronisation and advanced satellite services, while space robotics extends operational capabilities towards exploration, activities on planetary surfaces, inspection, manipulation and, in perspective, in-orbit services.

This supply chain also develops through Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space, and with e-GEOS (20% owned by ASI) for geospatial services.

Monitoring and operating in Space

Alongside Earth Observation, the evolution of the space domain also concerns the protection of the orbital environment and the assets operating within it. Operational satellites, space infrastructure and essential services must deal with a more crowded environment, in which debris and space objects can pose a risk to the continuity, security and availability of missions.

Space Surveillance enables objects in orbit to be observed, tracked and characterised, contributing to the protection of space assets. Radar, telescopes, optical sensors, infrared sensors and tracking technologies make it possible to build a more accurate picture of the space environment and support assessments of possible collision risks.

This evolution also looks to space-based capabilities, with sensors integrated directly on space assets, and to In-Orbit Services: services in orbit designed for inspection, operational support, maintenance, extension of asset life and more sustainable management of space infrastructure. In this area, Leonardo has been selected by the European Commission for the development of SCOPE, one of the two specialised operational satellites, or “servicers”, of the In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS) programme, dedicated to use cases such as satellite inspection, repositioning, robotic manipulation and refuelling. Within ISOS, Thales Alenia Space in France has also been selected to develop the other servicer, EROSS SC, while Leonardo will make its space robotics expertise available to the EPRIME consortium, led by The Exploration Company, for the definition of the robotic systems of the orbital HOST. These activities are complemented by the expertise developed through the Italian Space Agency’s national In-Orbit Servicing programme, funded by the NRRP, and through ASIMOV, the EDF 2025 project led by Leonardo for in-orbit operations and services in support of European defence.

Protecting and operating in Space means safeguarding the capabilities that depend on Space: observation, navigation, communications, synchronisation, security and decision-making support.

Interconnection between domains

Activities carried out in the space environment enable a broader and more timely understanding of what is happening on Earth. Satellite data can support air missions, ground units, maritime surveillance, the protection of critical infrastructure and command and control systems, integrating with information from sensors, platforms and operational networks.

In a scenario in which the time between event and response is decreasing, the space domain strengthens the ability to connect observation, processing and data distribution, becoming an essential component of multi-domain architectures.