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The European Union is facing a widening gap between demand for satellite launches and available launch capacity, European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius said on Wednesday, according to the European Commission.
Speaking at the 2nd EU Access to Space Conference in Brussels, Kubilius said the bloc had overcome a previous launcher crisis but was now facing an even greater challenge.
About 50,000 satellites are expected to be launched worldwide over the next decade, while global launch capacity is failing to keep pace with demand, he said.
Europe’s launch requirements are rising
Limited launch opportunities are expected to intensify competition and drive up prices, potentially putting national and European space ambitions at risk, Kubilius said.
The EU will require 62 launches by 2034 for programmes including “Galileo”, “Copernicus” and “IRIS²”. European launch demand is expected to increase nearly sixfold, he added.
“Ariane” is scheduled to launch 10 times a year, but Europe will need 14 launches in 2031 alone, Kubilius said. “Vega” is expected to launch six times annually, while eight “Vega” launches will be needed in 2030.
EU seeks independent access to space
The capacity challenge also extends to ground infrastructure, including launch sites and testing facilities, according to the commissioner.
“Autonomous access to space is the most important objective. We must not be dependent on foreign rockets,” Kubilius said, calling for the gap to be addressed through increased investment and closer cooperation between the European Commission, the European Space Agency and EU member states.
Kubilius said he would visit launch sites, manufacturing facilities and testing centres across Europe to assess bottlenecks and possible solutions. He plans to present an action plan on European access to space next year.
“Launching is our most important strategic priority,” he said.
