Global geopolitical turmoil is forcing Europe to boost spending on space technologies to reduce its reliance on the US. But catching up after decades of underinvestment won’t be easy.
The European space industry could be about to enter a golden era. That’s because European countries have been pressed to rethink their spending due to shifting relations with the US, increasing competition with China and Russia’s war against Ukraine.
From East to West, European Union member states have been announcing purchases of new military satellites and intentions to develop novel space-defence technologies including orbiting satellite bodyguards, jammers and spacecraft inspections. On top of that, the European Space Agency (ESA) – Europe’s counterpart to Nasa – recently raised a record-breaking budget.
Some analysts are optimistic about the developments, thinking it will finally help the European new space sector hit the big time. But others question the old continent’s readiness to let go of sluggish...