Italy is taking another important step in the development of Europe's space industry, thanks to a new agreement that will expand the Galileo satellite navigation system. The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced contracts for four additional second-generation Galileo satellites, bringing the planned fleet to 16 spacecraft and reinforcing Europe's position in advanced satellite technology.
The contracts, announced on October 27, 2026, were awarded to Thales Alenia Space in Italy and Airbus Defence and Space in Germany. Each company will manufacture two additional satellites, adding to the six spacecraft already assigned to each manufacturer under agreements signed in 2021.
