European Commission
Vega C to launch five Copernicus spacecraft
The European Commission awarded a contract to Arianespace Nov. 29 for launches of five Copernicus Earth observation spacecraft on Vega C rockets between 2024 and 2026.
France, Germany and Italy sign agreement on launch vehicle development
An agreement among three European countries could help secure near-term funding for launch vehicle development but have a bigger effect in the long term on how future projects are financed.
Europe seeks greater autonomy and independence in space
European space officials are stressing a need for greater autonomy and sovereign capabilities going forward in the wake of geopolitical trends and developments.
SES considering quantum cryptography satellite system
A technology demonstration satellite for which SES will lead the development could be a prototype of a constellation by the satellite operator providing quantum-encrypted communications.
ESA ends efforts to recover Sentinel-1B
The European Space Agency is ending efforts to restore operations of the Sentinel-1B radar imaging satellite that malfunctioned more than half a year ago and will instead move up the launch of a replacement.
Europe launches fund to invest in space startups
The European Commission is rolling out a new program to offer investment for European startups to keep those companies on the continent.
Isar Aerospace wins 10 million euro European Commission launch competition
Isar Aerospace won 10 million euros in a European Union prize competition, the latest sign of the E.U.’s growing role in supporting Europe’s launch industry.
EU and ESA proclaim “fresh start” in space cooperation
The European Space Agency and European Union said the signing of a long-delayed partnership agreement heralded the start of a new and more cooperative relationship.
Europe proposes launcher alliance
The European Union is proposing a “launcher alliance” involving companies and governments to develop the next generation of European launch vehicles, although some European startups are skeptical of those plans.
ESA and EU to sign partnership agreement
ESA and the EU will sign an agreement next week governing their work on joint projects, one that the agency says will allow ESA members who are not part of the EU to participate on those projects.
