Space

Detectors and InfraRed Technology Telespazio UK Discovering the origins of the Universe

Leonardo's world-class portfolio of space capabilities supports satellite manufacturers and operators worldwide, having been involved in Earth Observation, scientific exploration, telecommunications and navigation programmes for over 50 years.

The UK Government views space as a key industrial sector and is supporting industry and academia to advance the UK’s global position as a leading provider of space-related technologies and services. Since 2010, UK industry and government have been working collaboratively to achieve an ambitious 20-year objective of capturing 10% of the estimated £400 billion global space market by 2030.

Leonardo offers a full spectrum of space technologies and services in the UK. As a leader in satellite systems and applications, we offer robust and reliable ground segment systems for satellite missions, and provide expert consulting and engineering support. We provide downstream applications including geo-information via value-added, user-friendly platforms, as well as cost-effective fixed and mobile satellite communications. We also design and manufacture optical payloads, solar arrays and radio frequency equipment for both civil and military applications.

Detectors and InfraRed Technology

For nearly 50 years, Leonardo's world-class team of scientists in Southampton has contributed to more than a dozen space programmes for NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Most recently this has seen Leonardo deliver sensors for the world’s most accurate weather satellite, the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES).

Read about the CNES Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer New Generation (IASI-NG) programme

At the heart of the burgeoning UK space sector

Our UK subsidiary, Telespazio UK, is a key contributor to the UK Government’s initiative to strengthen its space industry, and was a founding partner in the Satellite Applications Catapult. As such, Leonardo is uniquely placed to help organisations develop long-term competitive advantage for the UK through the development and application of space capabilities.

Telespazio UK

At the heart of the burgeoning UK space sector

Discovering the origins of the Universe

Scientists from our infrared sensors team in Southampton played an integral role in the international OSIRIS-REx mission, which successfully concluded on 24 September 2023, having sought to discover more about the Universe’s origins. The team developed the DLATGS (Deuterated L-Alanine Doped Triglycene Sulphate) infrared sensor that forms the basis of the mission’s vital OTES - Thermal Emission Spectrometer.

Discover more about OSIRIS-REx