The state-of-the-art facility, located in the Tecnopolo Tiburtino innovation precinct, was inaugurated by Italian President Sergio Mattarella alongside government industry, and academic leaders. The factory is a joint venture between Thales (67 per cent) and Leonardo (33 per cent), backed by Italy’s national recovery plan and the Italian Space Agency.
The Space Smart Factory combines automation, robotics and digital twin technologies to mass-produce next-generation satellites – from Earth observation and telecommunications to navigation and in-orbit servicing systems. Designed for maximum flexibility, it can build over 100 satellites per year or around two a week and can be reconfigured to meet changing market demand.
“Today, Italy soars even higher,” said Adolfo Urso, Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy. “This factory strengthens our national space supply chain, enhances our technological sovereignty and shows how public-private cooperation can drive economic growth and skilled jobs.”
Thales Alenia Space CEO Hervé Derrey said the factory will boost European capability in satellite production and strengthen the continent’s independence in space technologies.
“This world-class facility reinforces our global competitiveness and supports Europe’s major space ambitions, including large satellite constellations,” he said.
The Rome site will begin operations later this year with work on the Sicral 3 military communications satellite for Italy’s Defence Ministry, before moving to the Galileo second-generation and Copernicus Earth observation programs.
The facility will also serve as a training and innovation hub, hosting a Space Joint Lab that links academia, start-ups, and industry to foster new ideas and develop specialist skills. Partners include the Politecnico di Milano, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, and Accenture.
Built with sustainability at its core, the factory is LEED-certified, powered partly by solar energy, and includes rainwater recycling and 24/7 redundant power systems to ensure uninterrupted operations.
With its opening, Italy positions itself as a European leader in satellite design, integration and manufacturing, expanding its role in global space supply chains and emerging orbital economies.