Elon Musk’s SpaceX reached an agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA) to launch up to four of Europe’s navigation satellites next year.
According to ESA director of navigation Javier Benedicto, the deal is good for two launches next year that will carry two Galileo satellites each. The deal, however, must still reach final approval by the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, which is slated to occur before the end of the year.
SpaceX plans to use its Falcon 9 rocket to accomplish the launches. A European Commission spokesman said it is “taking all necessary steps to ensure that the Galileo constellation continues to provide outstanding services in the coming months and years.”
WSJ News Exclusive: SpaceX has signed a deal to launch up to four of Europe’s flagship navigation and communications satellites, reinforcing the Elon Musk-led company’s growing foothold in the region https://t.co/P4ziXItIKl
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) October 23, 2023
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Some officials in Europe have been hesitant to allow SpaceX to launch the satellites, saying their space agency should not be dependent on an American company that would launch their aircraft into space from America. But the prohibition of using Russian rockets put in place due to the Ukraine War and delays in Europe’s Ariane space infrastructure program has forced their hand.
Additionally, European space agency officials reported they are very pressed for time after having faced a series of delays.
The Galileo satellite program is used by Europe’s satellite-navigation program, which is their alternative to using either American Global Positioning System (GPS) or China’s systems. Its encrypted navigation message services are used by Europe’s militaries and security forces.
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