EU rocket delays will not prevent SpaceX from launching ESA navigation satellites

Galileo navigation satellites can be launched by up to four Falcon 9 rockets

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EU rocket delays will not prevent SpaceX from launching ESA navigation satellites
SpaceX will launch ESA navigation satellites

The Wall Street Journal has claimed that SpaceX and the European Space Agency (ESA) have reached an agreement for SpaceX. To use its Falcon 9 rocket to send four of Europe’s Galileo navigation satellites into orbit. This will be the first time any EU satellites with classified electronics have been launched by Elon Musk’s company.

The European Space Agency (ESA) had intended to use its in-house developed Ariane 6 rocket to launch Galileo satellites. The rocket has had multiple delays and isn’t slated to launch for the first time until 2024 at the latest. Director of Navigation for ESA Javier Benedicto says that final permission by the EU Commission and member states is still pending for the arrangement.

SpaceX Agreement

As per the agreement, SpaceX would launch the satellites from US territory. With the exception of early test versions launched from Kazakhstan. It would be the first time Galileo equipment has been carried into orbit outside of European territory. Launching from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana. The additional Galileo satellites were initially carried out by Soyuz rockets and then by the Ariane 5 system.

The news of the agreement is not shocking, because reports from this summer suggested that Europe was looking to reach an agreement. With United Launch Alliance and SpaceX to “exceptionally launch Galileo satellites.” Soyuz rockets made in Russia would have been an additional option, but those were out of the question. Because of EU sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Ariane 6

The maiden launch of Ariane 6 was supposed to occur in 2023, but due to several delays, it is now scheduled for 2024. Recently, a long-duration static-fire test that was scheduled for early October was rescheduled from late November to early October, along with a short hotfire of the Vulcain 2.1 engine. After its last launch in July, the Ariane 5 rocket was retired, therefore it is no longer a possibility.

Europe’s Telescope

In July, SpaceX launched Europe’s Euclid telescope, and in the near future, it plans to launch two more EU spacecraft. As things stand, the ESA only intends to use the Falcon 9 for four Galileo launches. Musk and the EU have a shaky relationship; most recently, a senior EU official alerted him to the disseminating of false material on his social media platform X in the midst of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The Galileo System

Europe depends on the Galileo system to be independent of both Russian and Chinese satnav systems and the US Global Positioning System (GPS). The military and security agencies of the European Union also utilise it to send encrypted messages. The service launched in 2016, however to support the current network, more satellites are needed. Benedicto stated, “It is a matter of robustness.” “We have 10 satellites that are ready to be launched, and those satellites should be in space, not on the ground.”

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