Tags: EU | Europe | Space

Europe Backs Own Space Launchers amid Growing Competition

Europe Backs Own Space Launchers amid Growing Competition

Thursday, 25 October 2018 02:38 PM EDT

BERLIN (AP) — Major European countries are backing a new generation of home-grown space launchers amid growing competition from private space companies and developing nations such as India and China.

Ministers from Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland on Thursday signaled their "full support" for the development of the Ariane 6 and Vega-C rockets and their use as launchers for all European Space Agency missions.

The move is a response to the U.S. government's decision to award lucrative launch contracts to private American space companies such as SpaceX, Orbital ATK and Blue Origin.

The maiden flight of the medium-to-heavy Ariane 6 is planned for mid-2020, while the smaller Vega-C is scheduled to debut next year.

Separately, ministers decided that the ESA should seek closer cooperation with the European Union — already one of its main customers.

© Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


GlobalTalk
Major European countries are backing a new generation of home-grown space launchers amid growing competition from private space companies and developing nations such as India and China.Ministers from Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland on Thursday signaled their...
EU,Europe,Space
134
2018-38-25
Thursday, 25 October 2018 02:38 PM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 
 

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
© 2025 Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved