ROME, Oct 23 (Reuters) - European aerospace groups

unveiled a preliminary deal on Thursday to pool their

loss-making satellite manufacturing activities, combining forces

after months of negotiations to counter the runaway growth of

rivals led by Elon Musk's Starlink.

The keenly awaited deal between Airbus, Thales

and Leonardo would create a new venture

starting from 2027, subject to approval by European regulators

who have resisted such moves in the past.