SpaceX will be responsible for sending the next four satellites into space in the European Space Agency’s Galileo constellation.. Elon Musk’s company and ESA have reportedly signed a preliminary agreement to conduct these launches in 2024. Wall Street Magazine.
The choice of SpaceX is directly related to the delays experienced by Ariane 6. The rocket, scheduled to launch in 2020, has suffered numerous delays and could debut next year, although there is no guarantee that this will happen.
Thus, given that ESA has already retired Ariane 5 and that the use of the Russian Soyuz is also not possible due to the war with Ukraine, SpaceX has become the most realistic alternative. In any case, the launch of Galileo satellites using the Falcon 9 rocket of the American company still needs to get approval.
The European Commission and the EU member states of the European Space Agency must give their approval. Available information indicates that authorities They would not want ESA to depend on a North American company to launch some of its critical equipment into space.. This was largely due to the confidential technology of the Galileo satellites. Despite this, it is expected that there will be Fine final before the end of the year.
SpaceX will launch four ESA Galileo satellites
The preliminary agreement between SpaceX and the European Space Agency is intended to two launcheswith two Galileo satellites each. Although specific dates have not been announced, they are expected to take place next year. If, of course, they receive the appropriate approval.
As we’ve already mentioned, the privacy of the technology behind these devices is one of the issues causing the most outrage in Europe. Let us remind you that if the contract with Elon Musk’s company is confirmed, The equipment will be imported from the USA.. This would represent a radical change in logistics and operations, given that the previously used Ariane 5 rocket was flown from French Guiana.
ESA says the dependence on SpaceX will be temporary. Javier BenedictoThis was stated by the director of satellite navigation programs of the European Space Agency. WSJ that the idea is to take advantage of the North American firm just to deploy these four Galileo satellites. In addition, he explained that they currently have 10 teams ready to send into space, and that keeping them on the ground is also not the best option.
The future of Galileo satellites
The constellation Galileo plays a decisive role for Europa. Not only because it is used to power its own satellite navigation platform, but also because it is responsible for managing encrypted communications between the region’s governments. The launch of four new satellites in 2024 will help strengthen your activitiesas already mentioned.
If SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets are approved, Elon Musk’s company will gain greater prominence in the European aerospace business and put pressure on its competitors. Let’s keep in mind that aside from criticism for the ongoing delays to the Ariane 6 debut, ArianGroup has recently come under scrutiny ask for more government money for the specified program.
The French company, made up of Airbus and Safran, would demand a significant increase in funds from countries that make up the European Space Agency. How published Tribune this month, would request 350 million euros annuallywhich is a 150% increase on the €140 million it currently receives.
Source: Hiper Textual
