The Space Alliance receives the 'Le Farnese d'OR 2024' award

21 June 2024

Thales and Leonardo rewarded for having enhanced the relationship between Italy and France by boosting space cooperation between the two countries in the context of the Quirinal Treaty. 

Gabriele Pieralli, CEO of Telespazio, and Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, received yesterday, on behalf of the shareholders Leonardo and Thales and as representatives of the companies that form the Space Alliance, the prestigious "Le Farnese d’Or 2024" award for their ongoing commitment to strengthening cooperation and ties between Italy and France.

The award was presented by Renato Brunetta, President of CNEL, in the presence of numerous representatives from institutions, the economic sector, and the cultural sphere, during the third edition of the Farnese d’Or Gala. The event is annually promoted by the CCI France Italie – Chamber of Commerce and the French Embassy in Italy, with the aim of enhancing Franco-Italian relations.

“It is an honor to receive the Farnese d’Or, which, beyond being a great recognition of the collaboration between Italy and France, of the commitment of our shareholders, Leonardo and Thales, and the work of the Space Alliance represented by Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space, is an incentive to continue and always develop this strategic alliance. Italy and France are two leading countries in the space sector, and their cooperation is crucial to making Europe stronger, more resilient, and independent in space as well. On behalf of Leonardo and Telespazio, heartfelt thanks to the French Embassy in Italy and the Franco-Italian Chamber of Commerce for this prestigious award.”

Gabriele Pieralli, CEO of Telespazio

We are proud to receive this prestigious award that celebrates the bond between France and Italy on behalf of the Space Alliance, a strategic alliance between the Thales and Leonardo groups recognized worldwide due to the proven successes of Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio. This collaboration represents significant value for our two countries and for Europe as a whole, especially strategic given the current geopolitical context and issues of sovereignty. On behalf of Thales and Thales Alenia Space, sincere thanks to the French Embassy in Italy and the Franco-Italian Chamber of Commerce for this extraordinary initiative that holds great significance for our company.

 Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space

Other News & Stories

19.02.2026
Telespazio Ibérica awarded contract to build the Canary Islands satellite constellation

Telespazio Ibérica, the Spanish subsidiary of Telespazio (a Leonardo Group company), has been awarded the €20 million contract to develop the Canary Islands satellite constellation, the first Earth observation system created by a Spanish autonomous community. The company will lead the project, build the ground segment, and manage the constellation.

12.02.2026
Membership of the Abruzzo Aerospace District (DAAB) exceeds 60 after the first six months of activity

Strategic and Technological Plan approved at the Members’ Assembly

26.01.2026
Leonardo and Telespazio at the 18th European Space Conference

Leonardo and Telespazio will once again take part in the 18th edition of the European Space Conference, scheduled to take place in Brussels on 27–28 January, together with e-GEOS.

19.01.2026
First look at Earth from the COSMO-SkyMed FM3 satellite

Just days after launch, the first images are received from the third satellite of the second generation of the Earth Observation programme promoted by the Italian Space Agency and the Ministry of Defence, involving national industry with Leonardo, Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio and e-GEO

19.02.2026
Telespazio Ibérica awarded contract to build the Canary Islands satellite constellation

Telespazio Ibérica, the Spanish subsidiary of Telespazio (a Leonardo Group company), has been awarded the €20 million contract to develop the Canary Islands satellite constellation, the first Earth observation system created by a Spanish autonomous community. The company will lead the project, build the ground segment, and manage the constellation.

12.02.2026
Membership of the Abruzzo Aerospace District (DAAB) exceeds 60 after the first six months of activity

Strategic and Technological Plan approved at the Members’ Assembly

26.01.2026
Leonardo and Telespazio at the 18th European Space Conference

Leonardo and Telespazio will once again take part in the 18th edition of the European Space Conference, scheduled to take place in Brussels on 27–28 January, together with e-GEOS.

19.01.2026
First look at Earth from the COSMO-SkyMed FM3 satellite

Just days after launch, the first images are received from the third satellite of the second generation of the Earth Observation programme promoted by the Italian Space Agency and the Ministry of Defence, involving national industry with Leonardo, Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio and e-GEO