Space and Strategy: Airbus Restructures, SpaceX Expands

Airbus is drafting a turnaround plan for its Space Systems division amidst ongoing consolidation talks involving Italy's Leonardo and France's Thales, as the company grapples with 1.5 billion euros in charges. Concurrently, SpaceX is in discussions to land its Starship rocket off Australia's coast, marking its increased regional presence.

Airbus is drawing up a turnaround plan for its struggling Space Systems business, industry sources said, without waiting for the outcome of European consolidation talks that include Italy's Leonardo as well as France's Thales. Airbus aims to finalize a separate strategy review for Space Systems in the fourth quarter, following 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) in recent charges.

Meanwhile, SpaceX is in discussions with U.S. and Australian officials to land and recover one of its Starship rockets off Australia's coast. This move could signal an increased presence for Elon Musk's company in the region as the United States and Australia strengthen security ties. Following a successful controlled splashdown in June in the Indian Ocean, SpaceX is keen to advance its testing campaign, emphasizing the importance of landing and recovering the reusable rocket designed for satellite launches and lunar missions.

(With inputs from agencies.)