European governments are increasingly aware of the need to reduce reliance on Elon Musk’s SpaceX for satellite communications. Alarm was sparked in February when the U.S. threatened to cut Ukraine’s access to Starlink, a critical asset in its defense against Russia. A new white paper now urges the European Commission to fund Ukraine’s satellite needs through domestic providers. European satellite companies have confirmed ongoing discussions with officials to offer backup connectivity. The move signals a push for strategic autonomy in space-based infrastructure.
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Space firms plot new European satellite venture to take on Starlink
- Veiko Lukmann
- 03/12/2024
- 0
Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo are exploring the creation of a joint space company, “Project Bromo,” to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink. The proposed entity would be a standalone European satellite firm modeled after MBDA, a missile maker jointly owned by Airbus, Leonardo, and BAE Systems. Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani confirmed the structure would follow the MBDA model, aiming to strengthen Europe’s satellite capabilities. Sources indicated the merger is independent of Airbus’s planned job cuts and could take years to finalize. This initiative highlights Europe’s strategic push for autonomy in the satellite and space industries. Original news
MBDA Achieves Record €13.8 Billion in Orders, Pushes for European Defense Autonomy
- Veiko Lukmann
- 19/03/2025
- 0
MBDA secured a record €13.8 billion in orders for 2024, with CEO Eric Béranger emphasizing Europe’s urgent need for defense self-reliance amid shifting global alliances. The company plans to double its missile production by 2025 compared to 2023 and will invest €2.4 billion in production expansion, hiring 2,600 new employees. Additionally, OCCAR-EA and Eurosam signed an agreement to accelerate Aster missile production, reinforcing Europe’s air defense capabilities. Béranger’s remarks follow growing concerns over Europe’s reliance on non-European defense suppliers, coinciding with Canada’s reconsideration of its F-35 purchase from the U.S. As geopolitical uncertainties rise, MBDA’s push for a stronger European […]
ESA Launches European Launcher Challenge to Boost Sovereign Rocket Development
- Veiko Lukmann
- 26/03/2025
- 0
The European Space Agency (ESA) has opened submissions for its European Launcher Challenge, aiming to increase the number of sovereign satellite launch providers across Europe. Companies have six weeks to submit proposals, with ESA spending the following six months evaluating them. Winning firms may receive up to €169 million ($183 million) each at the agency’s ministerial meeting in November. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher emphasized support for smaller launchers, including microlaunchers and minilaunchers. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Europe’s independent access to space. Original news