European aerospace firms seek strategic autonomy in space sector

European aerospace leaders are pursuing initiatives to reduce dependence on foreign entities, particularly US-based companies like SpaceX and Starlink, to ensure strategic autonomy in space exploration and communications.

At the European Space Agency (ESA), Director General Josef Aschbacher has proposed investing approximately 10 billion euros over the next decade to develop an independent human spaceflight system. This system would allow Europe to launch and return astronauts to Earth without relying on external providers, a move estimated to save taxpayers 5 billion euros compared to purchasing foreign services.

Simultaneously, a major industrial consolidation project codenamed ‘Bromo’ is being planned by Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales. The proposed merger of their satellite and space divisions aims to create a company with an annual turnover of roughly 6.5 billion euros and 25,000 employees. The alliance seeks to strengthen secure communications for governments and emergency services.

The merger faces significant regulatory hurdles. The European Commission’s competition department has expressed concerns regarding market concentration and potential price increases, as the deal would reduce the number of major European satellite providers to two. While leaders like Ursula von der Leyen support the creation of industrial champions, competitors such as OHB have threatened legal action to prevent monopolies.