Russia has received heavy sanctions, and is in the process of isolating itself from the world economy and European society. But it does not stop on the planet.
Russia also encounters consequences far beyond the territory of its inhabitants – perhaps as far beyond the battlefield in Ukraine as one can get – in space.
Musk on the court?
Recently, ESA (the European Space Agency) announced that they are breaking off their cooperation with the Russian space agency, Roskosmos. They are suspended due to the war and subsequent sanctions imposed by ESA member countries.
– SMART: Eirik Newth thinks it is a smart decision by ESA to exclude Russia from their cooperation project. Photo: Morten Holm / NTB
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– It is ESA that is smart. It is an absolutely necessary decision. Russia has behaved unreliably, says astrophysicist and space expert Eirik Newth to TV 2.
He adds:
– It’s a shame, of course, but ESA is probably already looking for new partners to work with.
Newth believes ESA is now looking at Elon Musk and his space company Space X.
– I guess they end up there. There are not many other options.
What are they missing?
ESA has collaborated with the Russians on a project on Mars, the ExoMars program. In September 2020, they should have sent their first rover to the planet, but it did not happen due to technical challenges.
And with a banned Russia, there will most likely be no launch in 2024 either. The rover was to be used to obtain samples from Mars.
– ROVER: ESA was scheduled to send up a rover. Photo: M Thiebaut / AP
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The purpose of the ExoMars program is to find out if there has been life on the red planet, or whether it can even still be found there.
So far, the Euro-Russian cooperation has launched a space probe, which orbits Mars, to study various gases.
ESA will investigate whether they should proceed with the project alone or collaborate with other partners. In that case, it will increase costs, he writes BBC.
NASA alternatives
Space X can contribute in one area, says Christer Hauglie-Hanssen, CEO of the Norwegian Space Center.
– Space X is not a current candidate to contribute to the ExoMars program itself, but they can help with launching. Space X is already collaborating with ESA on launching European satellites.
He explains that Russia has been responsible for the landing module to be used, while ESA is responsible for the rover that will drive around Mars.
However, Russian technology has also been used on the rover, and European technology has been used on the landing module.
– CANDIDATE ?: Space X can help launch, says Christer Hauglie-Hanssen in the Norwegian Space Center. Photo: Hannibal Hanschke / AP
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Has pulled out before
Hauglie-Hanssen points out that Russia has withdrawn from some activity even before ESA chose to suspend the country.
Specifically, Roskosmos has withdrawn from two satellite launches with the Soyuz rocket from Kourou in French Guiana.
A collaboration with NASA could be an opportunity to replace what was Russia’s responsibility in the project. Japan may also be an opportunity in the future, says Hauglie-Hanssen.
– ESA and NASA have had a long-term collaboration on a number of activities.
– Too bad
Hauglie-Hanssen is the Norwegian representative on ESA’s council. After the Russians’ invasion of Ukraine, the council has met more often to deal with issues that have arisen, he says.
– UNSECURE: It is difficult to say when a launch can take place, says CEO Christer Hauglie-Hanssen in the Norwegian Space Center. Photo: Norwegian Space Center
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– The ExoMars program is a very comprehensive project that has been going on for almost 20 years.
He says the final decision to break Russian cooperation is in line with the EU’s attitude and sanctions, which Norway has also joined.
– This is a consequence of the political position. Now there are a number of areas where Russia has cooperated with ESA where the work stops.
Maybe 2026
The big question is when a Mars launch can happen in the future.
– Now it seems that it will be irrelevant in 2024, but you will consider what opportunities you have until 2026, says Hauglie-Hanssen.
Enormous sums of money have been invested in the project. He thinks the outcome is very unfortunate.
– This affects a joint international research collaboration. It is a pity in many ways.
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