Conflict between Ukraine and Russia drives Europe to work on partnership with SpaceX

PARIS (Reuters) – The European Space Agency (ESA) has begun preliminary technical talks with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which could lead to the temporary use of its launchers after blocking Western access to Russian Soyuz rockets after the war in Ukraine.

Arianespace’s North American rival has emerged as a key contender alongside Japan and India to fill a temporary void, but final decisions depend on the still unresolved program of the European Ariane 6 rocket.

“I would say there are two and a half options that we’re discussing. One is SpaceX, which is clear. Another is probably Japan,” ESA chief executive Josef Aschbacher told Reuters.

“Japan is waiting for the first flight of its next-generation rocket. Another option could be India,” he added in an interview. ?SpaceX, I would say, is the most functional of them all and definitely one of the backup launches we looked at.?

Aschbacher said negotiations remain in the exploratory phase and any alternative solution will be temporary.

SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment.

“WAKE UP CALL”

Europe has so far relied on the Italian Vega for small loads, the Russian Soyuz for medium loads, and the Ariane 5 for heavy duty. The next-gen Vega C hit the market last month, and the new Ariane 6 has been delayed to next year.

A more accurate timeline for Ariane 6 will be clearer in October, Aschbacher said. Only then would ESA finalize a support plan that will be presented to the agency’s 22-nation ministers in November.

He said the war in Ukraine showed that Europe’s decade-long strategy of cooperation with Russia in gas supply and other areas, including space, is no longer working.

“This was a warning that we are too dependent on Russia. And that warning is that we should hope decision-makers are as aware as I am that we really need to strengthen our European capacity and independence.”

However, he downplayed the possibility of Russia fulfilling its commitment to withdraw from the International Space Station (ISS) after 2024.

“The truth is, operationally, work on the space station is ongoing, I would say almost nominally,” Aschbacher told Reuters. “Whether we like it or not, we are connected, but we have very few choices.”

(by Tim Hepher and Joey Roulette)