From when the Coronavirus emergency arose, Leonardo has implemented a range of actions and measures to guarantee continuity of many of its operations, including those at space centres in Italy and around the World. Suspension of the satellite activities, even only partially, could have repercussions for national security, public utility services, and the life of all citizens in general.
In Italy, Telespazio has ensured that the Fucino Space Centre, in Abruzzo, remains fully operational. This site, of strategic importance for the Country, hosts some technological infrastructures of great importance internationally, such as the Galileo Control Centre, part of the European satellite system that ensures extremely precise satellite navigation and localisation services for users worldwide.
A new way of organising our work, made possible by the sense of responsibility and willingness of Telespazio's workers, ensured personnel safety and a fully operational site, at the Fucino Space Centre. The Company demarcated segregated areas, access to which was limited strictly to personnel involved, and identified and set up interchangeable work teams, able to guarantee 24 hour service continuity in all of the Centre's control rooms.
In addition, the Italian Army, in the form of the IX° Reggimento Alpini, based in l'Aquila, set up a camp with seven heated tents on the premises of the Fucino Space Centre, to house the teams who controlled operations at the Galileo Control Centre overnight. The camp also housed the equipment required for preparing and administering warm meals, while respecting social distancing. For the entire duration of the emergency, military personnel will ensure the logistical support necessary to guarantee correct functioning of the structure.
These actions were effectively supported by the Prime Minister's Office that, thanks to new governance of the space sector, is able to act quickly to support Italy's strategic companies.
