In 2007 Finmeccanica and Thales established the Space Alliance, which comprises Telespazio (67% Finmeccanica, 33% Thales) and Thales Alenia Space (67% Thales, 33% Finmeccanica). The Space Alliance with Thales marked the achievement of a milestone in the European space sector.

Through this agreement, the two Groups have created Europe's first space operator, comprising the joint ventures Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space, which operate in satellite services and systems respectively.
 
Finmeccanica has a long tradition of excellence in the space arena and has achieved a world-leading position in the design, development and manufacture of positioning, telecommunications, Earth observation and remote sensing satellites for civil and military use.

One of its most prestigious activities is the production of components for space transport systems and orbiting structures, as well as the supply of high value-added satellite services.