SpaceX’s success is changing European cosmonautics. The Union will invest massively to keep up – ČT24 – Czech Television

In recent decades, Europe has sought independence from the United States or Russia in access to space, which it has succeeded with its Ariane rocket family and Galileo’s own satellite navigation. The latest successes of the American private company SpaceX, which is seeking to colonize Mars in the long term and which builds its visions on the reusability of rocket launchers, as well as China’s bold plans, are now forcing Europe not to lag behind in space missions.

“The universe is one of Europe’s strengths,” Breton said. For the first time, he said, the EU budget would be used to support new technologies for rocket flights, including reusable carriers.

Big European plans

The EU is about to sign an agreement with Arianespace worth one billion euros (approximately 27 billion CZK). The contract will include guaranteed orders that will provide predictability along with room for innovation.

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“SpaceX has changed the definition of the missile flight standard, so Ariane 6 is a necessary step, not the ultimate goal. We have to think about Ariane 7 right now, “said Breton.

Ariane 6 is a rocket developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), the first test flight is probably planned for next year. Ariane 6 aims to significantly reduce flight costs while increasing ESA’s transport capacity. Breton’s Ariane 7, a possible successor to Ariane 6, still in preparation, has not yet been officially discussed, but in recent years there has been speculation in the media about Europe’s intention to focus more on reusing parts of the SpaceX-style carrier.

The future of European cosmonautics

Breton would like the European Commission (EC) to allocate 16 billion euros (428 billion CZK) for space projects for the upcoming budget. He himself wants to design a European space fund with a volume of one billion euros, which would serve to support start-ups and promising companies. For Galileo, Breton wants to accelerate the development of new satellites that will provide more accurate data and collaborate more.

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It is also working on a new satellite system to ensure that all Europeans have access to high-speed internet. Such a satellite constellation for a global Internet connection called Starlink is already being built by SpaceX, which wants to launch a commercial service soon.

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