Officina Stellare is an Italian high-tech company specialized in advanced optical and opto-mechanical systems for space, defense and scientific applications. Listed on Euronext Growth Milan, the company designs and manufactures mission-critical payloads and subsystems for satellites and ground-based infrastructures, positioning itself as a key enabler in Europe’s evolving space and security ecosystem.
EO optics with Leonardo: Leonardo is developing a new-generation Earth Observation satellite constellation, with Officina Stellare supplying high-resolution optical components for its space-based sensors.
- Value: ~€9.2 million
- Duration: 3 years
- What: supply of high-resolution optical assemblies for satellite telescopes
- Where: Leonardo’s proprietary Earth Observation constellation
- Context: first flight model nearing delivery under the PLATiNO3 program of the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana
- Why the deal matters: reinforces a long-standing industrial partnership and places Officina Stellare at the core of one of Europe’s most relevant EO programs, with responsibilities extending to engineering and serial industrialisation.
Quantum communications with Thales Alenia Space: ThinkQuantum is a subsidiary of Officina Stellare, specialized in quantum cryptography and secure communications technologies, with a strong track record in European terrestrial quantum networks.
- Total value: ~€5.3 million
- ~€4.8m to ThinkQuantum
- ~€0.5m to Officina Stellare
- Duration: 22 months
- Program: SAGA (Secure And cryptoGrAphic Mission) of the Agenzia Spaziale Europea
- What: transmission and reception systems for satellite-based QKD
- Goal: build a pan-European infrastructure for ultra-secure quantum communications, supporting EuroQCI
- Why the deal matters: ThinkQuantum moves from terrestrial networks to space-based quantum systems, positioning itself among the few European players with integrated ground-to-orbit capabilities.
Why it matters: The two deals outline a dual-track growth strategy:
- critical sensors and payloads for Earth Observation;
- communications security in the post-quantum era;
- Officina Stellare is evolving into a strategic enabler, not just a supplier:
- core optics for EO constellations
- key technologies underpinning European digital sovereignty
- Together, the contracts reinforce the company’s trajectory toward an Italian “Space Factory”, aligned with EU industrial and security priorities.
The bottom line: Officina Stellare is scaling where Europe is investing the most: space-based data and secure communications — backed by top-tier partners and long-term strategic programs.
