Did you have a chance to attend the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Space Summit 2023 earlier this month in Seville, Spain? Well, neither did I, but from what I hear it appears the Europeans are trying to address some shortfalls in their space program.
We already know that Europe is having difficulties timely developing its own rockets for space missions, and the Russians are no help these days. So SpaceX and others are helping out for now. But the Europeans can see they need to set things right, and soon.
The Guardian reports that the 22 ESA members agreed to encourage competition among private sector companies to build cargo spacecraft to support the International Space Station (ISS). Moreover, the competition may expand to crewed spacecraft.
This is similar to President Obama’s commercial competition initiatives years ago, helping to create a web of companies that NASA now relies on for the ISS and its Artemis program.
A crewed spacecraft would be something new for the ESA and suggests greater investment and involvement in future space missions, which is good for everyone.
Could we see an ESA lunar station one day? It seems more possible now.
Our Awesome Universe 