The chief of the Europe scrambles as US rules satellite race
"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.
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"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
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. Europe's push to compete in space
European nations have sought to build up their sovereign space capabilities since 2022 and , which highlighted how Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite communications service has become both a critical partner for Kyiv and a potential vulnerability.
Immediately after the war erupted, there were initial doubts about whether the billionaire would continue to fund Starlink services in Ukraine. Reports said Musk refused to let Starlink to be used to support an attack on a Russian naval base in 2022.
The broke out and US satellite imaging companies Planet Labs and Vantor started withholding images of the conflict region in the conducting major exploration missions and overseeing the Artemis program, which aims to establish a human presence on the moon.
Meanwhile, Amazon launched its first internet satellites in 2025. The company plans to deploy more than 3,200 satellites to provide broadband service around the world. Amazon's founder had urged US space companies not to attend because it could appear to support European Union policies.
“There can be tensions, as well as technological competition between major powers, particularly the United States and China,” a French presidential official said, speaking anonymously in keeping with the presidency’s customary practices. “We do have strengths, but we can see that things are accelerating and that much more money is needed.”
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and AP)
