Source: Fortune
Summary
Europe is struggling to launch satellites into orbit, leaving it vulnerable in the space race. The continent lacks a reliable heavy launcher, making it dependent on foreign companies like SpaceX. Germany’s Isar Aerospace is working on a new rocket, but its first launch attempt failed. The EU is investing heavily in space surveillance capabilities, including a new satellite network, but it’s a long way behind the US, China, and Russia.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story. Europe’s lack of a reliable heavy launcher is a significant obstacle in the space race. The continent’s dependence on foreign companies like SpaceX is a strategic vulnerability. Germany’s Isar Aerospace is trying to change this, but its first launch attempt failed. The EU’s investment in space surveillance capabilities is a step in the right direction, but it’s a long way behind the US, China, and Russia. The situation is a stark reminder that in the space race, launch capacity is king.
Author: Evan Null
