While Ariane 6’s successful inaugural launch on Tuesday, July 9, is a significant achievement for Europe’s space industry, it may not fully resolve France’s perceived isolation in the European space sector.
Ariane 6 is the result of extensive European collaboration, involving nearly 600 companies from 13 countries. This demonstrates the continued importance of pan-European cooperation in space endeavors.
The launch showcases Europe’s ability to innovate, particularly with the new re-ignitable Vinci engine, which offers greater mission versatility.
Despite its success, Ariane 6 still faces significant competition. Indeed, it has a lower launch capacity (12 flights per year) compared to SpaceX’s daily launch capability. Moreover, European institutions like Eumetsat have chosen SpaceX over Ariane 6 for some launches, indicating ongoing competitiveness issues.
The future of European space efforts requires a new organizational approach, similar to NASA’s transformation over 20 years ago. The European summit in Seville in November 2023 initiated this process by opening up competition for future small launchers.
Besides, the ongoing tensions between France and Germany in the context of European space projects, suggest that national rivalries persist.
In addition, there’s a subtle indication that NATO is funding a European startup developing micro-launchers that compete with French offerings, potentially challenging France’s position in the sector.
While Ariane 6 is a significant step forward for European space capabilities, it alone may not be sufficient to fully address France’s perceived isolation. The space industry’s future in Europe will likely depend on continued cooperation, organizational reforms, and addressing competitive challenges from both within and outside Europe.
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© Copyright 2024 – Eurasia Business News. Article n°1083.
Source link : https://eurasiabusinessnews.com/2024/07/10/can-ariane-6-save-the-french-space-industry/
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Publish date : 2024-07-10 19:35:02
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