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EU Shifts Satellite Launches to Ariane 6 Rocket
28 Jan
Summary
- EU agency contracts Ariane 6 for Galileo satellite launches.
- Ariane 6 replaces SpaceX as primary launcher for Galileo.
- EU seeks greater independence in defense and security matters.
The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) has secured a new launch contract for its second-generation Galileo satellites, opting for Europe's Ariane 6 rocket. This agreement signals a strategic move away from its previous reliance on Elon Musk's SpaceX for launching critical components of its autonomous location service.
The Ariane 6 rocket, which successfully completed its maiden mission last year, will now be responsible for lofting two of the L18 Galileo satellites into orbit. This decision aligns with the EU's broader objective to bolster its independence in defense and security affairs, a priority that has intensified in recent times.
While European satellite companies continue to utilize SpaceX due to its cost-effectiveness and greater capacity, the EU's contract with Ariane 6 highlights a commitment to developing and leveraging its own space launch capabilities for strategic assets.
