Italy is working on an independent low-orbit satellite system to ensure secure government communications, positioning it as a competitive alternative to the Starlink system operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. During a session in the lower house, Industry Minister Adolfo Urso explained that the new project would be developed in collaboration with major national stakeholders and overseen by the Italian space agency, which will conduct a feasibility study to assess the initiative’s scope and implementation timeline.
Rationale and Political Context
The move follows earlier discussions within Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government about using Starlink’s encrypted satellite services for officials in high-risk areas. However, this suggestion faced significant criticism from opposition politicians who argued that relying on a foreign system especially one associated with a controversial figure like Musk could compromise national security.
Competing with Global Providers
With Starlink boasting 6,700 active satellites in low Earth orbit, Italy’s initiative represents a bold step toward reducing dependence on external providers. By creating its own satellite infrastructure, Italy aims to offer a secure, domestically controlled alternative that aligns with its strategic interests and bolsters national resilience. Although Urso did not specify the companies involved or provide a detailed timeline for the project, the announcement marks a clear commitment to advancing indigenous technological capabilities in the space sector.
The development of a national satellite system is expected to provide Italy with a competitive edge in secure communications and could potentially serve as a model for other countries seeking alternatives to foreign satellite systems.
