Space agency chief calls on Europe to invest in independence

The chief of the European Space Agency (ESA), Josef Aschbacher, on Wednesday called for a 10-billion-euro ($11.6-billion) investment over 10 years for Europe to achieve independence in the space sector.

Aschbacher made the call during an international space summit held in Paris this week, which was ditched by several US companies including SpaceX and Blue Origin.

"Will we be passengers or pilots?" Aschbacher asked European ministers during a closed meeting Wednesday evening.

He pointed to the rapid development in space technology by countries around the world from satellite development to the exploration of the Moon and Mars.

"In this emerging context, Europe must position itself as an indispensable partner, with its own capabilities," he said, according to a copy of his speech given to AFP.

If Europe commits to the path of furthering space exploration, Aschbacher estimated it would require an investment of around one billion euros per year for the next decade.

Without it, Europe would remain dependent on other players in the space industry, which also comes at a cost.

"Buying flights for European astronauts from foreign providers would cost 5 billion euro over 10 years, with the majority of that money going into foreign industry and will require permission to fly beyond Europe's control," he explained.

"Alternatively, we can invest in capabilities that remain in Europe, create European jobs, strengthen European autonomy, inspire our youth and future workforce, and secure a stronger hand in international negotiations," he said.

Earlier at the summit, French astronaut Thomas Pesquet told AFP that Europe cannot stay on the sidelines in the space industry.

"We're leaders in technology, we have universities, labs, companies, space agencies -- we need to take matters into our own hands," he said.

ESA member states could decide on how to move forward on Aschbacher's call for greater autonomy in the sector at a ministerial meeting in December.

fbr/ber/giv/phz

SpaceX