Astrium is the third-largest space systems manufacturing company in the world after Boeing and Lockheed Martin, and the leading European supplier of satellites, orbital infrastructures, launchers and associated services. In 2006, Astrium generated revenues of €3.2 billion, representing 8.1% of EADS’ total revenues.

Astrium is composed of three main business units: Astrium Satellites (Astrium Satellites), Astrium Space Transportation (Astrium ST) and Astrium Services (Astrium Services), through which it designs, develops and manufactures satellites, orbital infrastructures and launcher systems and provides space services. Astrium also provides launch services through its shareholdings in Arianespace (Ariane 5 launcher), Starsem (Soyuz launcher) and Eurockot (Rockot launcher), as well as services related to telecommunications and earth observation satellites, through wholly-owned subsidiaries such as Paradigm Secure Communications and Paradigm Services (“Paradigm”) and Infoterra, and joint ventures such as Spot Image.

Astrium confirmed the success of its business model in 2006, with EBIT* more than doubling from the prior year to €130 million (4% of revenues), compared to €58 million in 2005.