Space Industries Launches in Turin to Revolutionize Satellite Production
Giuseppe Santangelo, a space industry veteran, has established Space Industries in Turin, Italy, after a decade in the United States where he acquired dual citizenship. The company is set to specialize in the rapid assembly, integration, and testing of satellites as large as eight cubic meters.
Ambitious Production Goals
Space Industries aims to achieve a production rate of one satellite per workday by 2030, with a projected workforce of 300 employees, Santangelo revealed.
Private Funding and Industry Backing
Founded in February, Space Industries is financially supported by the Micelli family, owners of the Comat Group. Comat Group is an established Italian firm involved in energy services, facilities management, and space technology. Santangelo clarified that Space Industries is a privately held entity and will operate without government funding.
Experienced Leadership
Prior to launching Space Industries, Santangelo held the position of managing director at Tyvak International, a manufacturer of nanosatellites and microsatellites. His entrepreneurial background includes founding Skypersonic, a drone manufacturer based in Michigan, which was acquired by Red Cat Holdings in 2021. Earlier in his career, Santangelo gained experience at Thales Alenia Space as a systems engineer and project manager.
The Need for Speed and Efficiency in European Space Sector
Why establish Space Industries now?
“Europe requires accelerated development and streamlined mass production of satellites,” Santangelo explained.
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“By consolidating space integration, assembly, and testing within a single facility, we can enhance efficiency, reduce expenses, and shorten satellite production timelines.”
Santangelo’s vision is to stimulate the commercial space sector, foreseeing significant industrial applications for satellite technology, including remote sensing, telecommunications, and Earth observation. He envisions satellites playing a crucial role in industrial processes, from site evaluation to infrastructure monitoring.
Europe’s Growing Space Autonomy
Is European capability crucial?
Santangelo emphasized the necessity for international collaboration but stressed that effective collaboration requires independent capabilities among participating nations. He asserted that Europe must expand its space sector presence as the space economy evolves into a major global market, extending beyond traditional space exploration.
Optimal Satellite Size for Performance and Cost
Why focus on this satellite size?
Drawing on his extensive experience, Santangelo noted the industry’s shift from very large satellites to smaller cubesats and then towards mid-sized satellites. He argues that the minisatellite, comparable in size to a small vehicle, offers an optimal balance of power and payload capacity for telescopes, antennas, and other instruments. This size, he believes, represents the ideal combination of cost-effectiveness and performance.
Integrated Facility for Constellation Production
A 3,000-square-meter clean room for comprehensive testing and integration?
Santangelo confirmed the establishment of a comprehensive facility capable of performing all necessary processes in one location. This integrated approach is advantageous for producing satellite constellations, which may involve hundreds of units.
Private Investment for Independent Growth
Startup funding challenges in Italy?
Santangelo stated that he successfully secured investment from private entrepreneurs, opting for private funding to maintain independence from government financial support.
Focus on Commercial Partnerships
Government contracts for satellites?
Space Industries will not directly sell satellites to government agencies. Instead, the company will focus on building satellites for prime contractors involved in government projects. Santangelo indicated potential interest in acting as a constellation broker in international markets but will primarily operate as a supplier in Europe, supporting institutional programs rather than leading them.
Italy’s Burgeoning Space Ecosystem
Emergence of space companies in Italy?
Santangelo acknowledged the growth of the space sector in Italy, particularly in Turin, which benefits from the legacy of Thales Alenia Space. He highlighted the evolution of this heritage into a network of smaller, specialized companies.
As a dual U.S. and Italian citizen, Santangelo underscored the importance of collaboration and teamwork within the space industry, advocating for a synergistic approach to achieve collective success in the space environment.