Europe considers €10 billion plan for independent human spaceflight

The European Space Agency (ESA) is evaluating a proposal to invest approximately €10 billion over the next decade to develop an independent European crewed spacecraft system. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher has proposed the initiative to reduce the continent's reliance on foreign launch services and spacecraft, particularly from the United States, for transporting astronauts to the International Space Station.

While continuing to purchase transport services from foreign providers is estimated to cost €5 billion over ten years, the proposed European system aims to build domestic technical expertise, infrastructure, and long-term mission control. This capability would include spacecraft, launch infrastructure, and reentry technology necessary to bring crews safely back to Earth.

Developing an autonomous human-spaceflight capability is seen as a way to provide European nations with greater control over mission timing and technology as the International Space Station approaches retirement. The proposal is expected to be discussed by European governments at an ESA ministerial meeting in Rome on December 15.