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Leonardo selected for ISOS, Europe’s programme for next-generation in-orbit services

Leonardo has been awarded by the European Commission for the development of “SCOPE”, one of the two servicer components of the In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS) Programme. The initiative is a pioneering mission concept designed to help Europe “Act in Space”, enabling new in-orbit services, strengthening technological non-dependence and supporting the development of a new in-space economy.

Launched by the European Commission under Horizon Europe, in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), ISOS aims to develop a European orbital infrastructure for space operations and services. The Programme will be based on an ecosystem of components including, among the others, specialised operational satellites known as “servicers” and a robotic platform known -as orbital “HOST”-, acting as a storage, testbed, re-supply and logistic hub. Together, they will support activities such as in-orbit assembly, maintenance and manufacturing, space logistics, recycling and debris removal, improving the performance, safety and sustainability of space assets.

Within the Programme, SCOPE will address specific use cases including inspection, repositioning, robotic manipulation and spacecraft refuelling. SCOPE will build on Leonardo and its joint ventures Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio’s expertise in space systems engineering, robotics, platforms, ground segment and sensor technologies, in partnership with major industries such as Airbus, Indra and GMV. SCOPE added value will consist in a modular, interoperable, multi-mission platform combining two robotic arms, AI based autonomy, standardized interfaces, combined propulsion approach, harmonized docking and refueling ports, enabling scalable and repeatable operations. Strategically, SCOPE will strengthen European technological sovereignty, resilience, and competitiveness, targeting both prepared and non-prepared satellites and initially focusing on institutional use cases (e.g. Copernicus), with potential expansion to commercial markets.

Thales Alenia Space in France has also been selected within the ISOS program to develop the other servicer, “EROSS SC”.

Leonardo’s space robotics capabilities will also support the “HOST” consortium, EPRIME, led by The Exploration Company, where Leonardo will be responsible for defining the robotic systems supporting HOST operations, including docking and berthing.

Leonardo's significant legacy in ISOS stems from the expertise and capabilities developed through its involvement in the Italian Space Agency’s national In-Orbit Servicing programme, funded with Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), as well as through ASIMOV (Autonomous System for Inspection, Maintenance, Defence Operations and ManoeuVres), a key project within the 2025 European Defence Fund (EDF), focused on in-orbit operations and services for European defence and led by Leonardo. These programmes reflect the Group’s advanced capabilities in space robotics and autonomous orbital operations, positioning Leonardo among the leading industrial players shaping Europe’s emerging in-space economy.