In Orbit Servicing: Telespazio partner of the ASI-assigned PNRR mission dedicated to sustainability in space

18 May 2023

Telespazio is a partner in the In-Orbit Servicing (IOS) demonstration mission - led by Thales Alenia Space, and also involving Leonardo, Avio and D-ORBIT and awarded in recent days by the Italian Space Agency (ASI). 

Refuel satellites directly into space, or repair or replace their components, move them to other orbits or facilitate their smooth atmospheric reentry.

These are the goals of the "In Orbit Servicing" mission, created on the initiative of the Italian government, thanks to the resources of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), with the support of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), which aims to develop enabling technologies and operations to make space more sustainable, whose contract was signed in recent days. 

The mission, which will be ready for launch by 2026, involves the development of autonomous robotic vehicle provided by Thales Alenia Space capable, thanks to a specific robotic arm from Leonardo designed in collaboration with SAB Aerospace, the National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN) and the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), of performing satellite removal, repair and refueling actions directly in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). 

As part of the mission, Telespazio, in collaboration with ALTEC, is responsible for the design, development and qualification activities of the ground segment, which will be completed by the first half of 2026. In the second half of 2026, in addition, Telespazio will also contribute to the definition and preparation of space operations of the next phases of the mission.

Thanks to the experience acquired in the field of space operations and in the development of Earth segments in major space programs, with the participation in "In-Orbit Servicing demonstration mission" Telespazio confirms its leading role in Italy and Europe in the field of operations of strategic importance.

Other News & Stories

19.05.2025
At MAXXI Rome, the exhibition “Mediterranea. Visions of an ancient and complex sea”

From May 17 to August 31, the EXTRA space of the National Museum of 21st Century Arts (MAXXI) hosts the exhibition organized by Fondazione MAXXI and the Med-Or Italian Foundation, in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency, Telespazio, e-GEOS, and the European Space Agency. The project is promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Ministry of Culture.

15.04.2025
ENAV and Telespazio bring together key Italian players in Advanced Air Mobility at Fucino

At Telespazio’s Fucino Space Centre, the future of drone flight is already a reality: successful demo day for the European project U-ELCOME

10.04.2025
Telespazio Supports PinKamP 2025: An Initiative to Engage Young Women in STEM

Telespazio supports PinKamP, an initiative promoted by the University of L’Aquila and aimed at high school girls, with the goal of encouraging them to pursue studies and careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

25.03.2025
Viasat Selected to design lunar orbiting satellite system alongside Telespazio

Viasat to lead the lunar orbiting satellite communications portion of ESA’s Moonlight Program,  alongside Telespazio and a host of other European and UK companies. Project creates Europe’s first lunar orbiting satellite network.

19.05.2025
At MAXXI Rome, the exhibition “Mediterranea. Visions of an ancient and complex sea”

From May 17 to August 31, the EXTRA space of the National Museum of 21st Century Arts (MAXXI) hosts the exhibition organized by Fondazione MAXXI and the Med-Or Italian Foundation, in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency, Telespazio, e-GEOS, and the European Space Agency. The project is promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Ministry of Culture.

15.04.2025
ENAV and Telespazio bring together key Italian players in Advanced Air Mobility at Fucino

At Telespazio’s Fucino Space Centre, the future of drone flight is already a reality: successful demo day for the European project U-ELCOME

10.04.2025
Telespazio Supports PinKamP 2025: An Initiative to Engage Young Women in STEM

Telespazio supports PinKamP, an initiative promoted by the University of L’Aquila and aimed at high school girls, with the goal of encouraging them to pursue studies and careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

25.03.2025
Viasat Selected to design lunar orbiting satellite system alongside Telespazio

Viasat to lead the lunar orbiting satellite communications portion of ESA’s Moonlight Program,  alongside Telespazio and a host of other European and UK companies. Project creates Europe’s first lunar orbiting satellite network.