Airbus Defence and Space is the world’s second largest space company and one of the top 10
defence companies globally, with revenues of around €13 billion per year and approx. 38.600 employees.
Under its current organisation, Airbus Defence and Space is composed of four Business Lines:

  • Space Systems
  • Communications, Intelligence & Security (CIS)
  • Military Aircraft
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems

The company brings together a wide portfolio to continue to meet the complex needs of its customers across the world, contribute to Europe’s defence and security, and secure Europe’s independent access to and utilisation of space. The portfolio review conducted last year by Airbus Defence and Space has confirmed Space as one of its core business, together with Military Aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Systems and related systems and services.

Airbus Space Systems has been developing satellites for over 40 years and has contributed to virtually all scientific and Earth observation missions in Europe, whether as satellite prime contractor, ground segment contractor or as a major subcontractor. It is currently the European leader for Space industry, and the second leader in the world.

The Space Systems business line includes the Programmes Lines: Earth Observation, Navigation and Science (ENS), Telecoms and On-Orbit Services & Exploration, as well as Space Equipment, the space product suppliers TESAT-Spacecom and Jena Optroniks and UK-based SSTL Engineering, AIT, Quality and Product Assurance resources are grouped into one common Operations and Quality supporting directorate, to ensure operational efficiency and best service to the programme lines.

Earth Observation, Navigation and Science Programme Line organisation

The Earth Observation, Navigation and Science (ENS) programme line is the responsible unit for iFACT. ENS develops and delivers world competitive satellites, instruments and ground segments for Earth Observation, Navigation and Science. It serves Ministries of Defence, space agencies and institutions, commercial and export customers.
The ENS programme line comprises the transnationally organized programme directorates ENS Projects, ENS Products, and Future Programmes & Proposals. All directorates are supported by a number of functional structures, in charge of engineering, product policy, quality, sales and marketing, finance and human resources. The truly transnational organisation of ENS is perfectly suited to offer the capability to work smoothly across borders and to distribute roles in function of local site competences rather than nationality.
ENS features a modified organizational set-up. The newly created Future Programmes & Proposals directorate will play an important role to implement ENS target of developing innovative solutions and responding to disruptive customer and market needs. The management line is composed of staff experienced in managing future program activities and known to ESA as well as to the European Commission.