EU could accelerate space exploration in response to success of SpaceX and China, report says

According to a report, the European Union could be investing more in rockets, satellites and space exploration. European Commissioner Thierry Breton told Reuters on Sunday that the EU wants to keep up with the United States and China in space, especially given SpaceX’s recent success in launching NASA astronauts to the International Space Station and China’s lunar mission last year.

The EU is ready to sign a € 1 billion ($ 1.12 billion) agreement with Arianespace: a commercial rocket launcher operating from France – For greater participation in space flight innovation, says the report.

“Space is one of Europe’s strengths, and we are giving ourselves the means to accelerate,” Breton told Reuters, adding that the EU will seek reusable rockets. “SpaceX has redefined the standards for launchers, making Ariane 6 a necessary step, but not the end goal: We must start thinking about Ariane 7 now.”

Ariane 6 is a rocket launcher developed by the European Space Agency. Its first flight was scheduled for 2020, but has not yet been carried out.

Breton is reportedly pushing for € 16bn ($ 18bn) in additional funds for space exploration in the next European Commission budget, with € 1bn to be used for a European Space Fund that would help to new space companies.

The EU is also looking to launch a satellite system to provide high-speed Internet across the continent, Reuters said, as did the Starlink satellites to be launched by SpaceX.

Commissioner Breton’s team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.