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EU plans massive increase in satellite launches, seeks new launch sites in Norway, Scotland and Canada
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Andrius Kubilius, the European Commissioner for Defense and Space, announced that the European Union plans to dramatically increase satellite launches over the next several years. According to a report by the Financial Times on February 26, the EU aims to boost government satellite launches from nearly 70 between 2016 and 2024 to nearly 630 in the next eight years. Commercial satellites are expected to double to 1,000, and defense satellites will rise from about 20 to nearly 300. Kubilius stated that by 2034, the EU will require 62 rocket launches per year, six times the current rate. To achieve this, the EU is seeking to establish new launch sites both within Europe and abroad, including in Norway, Scotland (UK), and Canada, in addition to expanding capacity at its current launch site in French Guiana from 10 to 14 launches per year. Kubilius emphasized that launch capacity is a top priority for the EU's space activities.
Source report
Andrius Kubilius, the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, has announced that the European Union plans to significantly increase satellite launches in the coming years. The EU is seeking to establish new launch sites both within Europe and beyond, including in Norway, Scotland (UK), and Canada, and will require additional launch facilities capable of handling heavy payloads.
Key Targets for Satellite Expansion
According to Kubilius, as reported by the Financial Times on 26 February, the EU aims to dramatically scale up its satellite fleet over the next eight years compared to the 2016–2024 period:
- Government satellites: from nearly 70 to approximately 630
- Commercial satellites: from current levels to 1,000 (a doubling)
- Defence satellites: from around 20 to nearly 300
Launch Frequency Goals
Kubilius expects that by 2034, the EU will require up to 62 rocket launches per year — six times the current rate.
"We are making launch capacity a very important priority in space activities. This is crucial for us," he said.
Current and Future Launch Infrastructure
At present, the EU's space launches are primarily conducted at the spaceport in French Guiana, South America. Kubilius noted that by 2034, the launch capacity at this facility will need to increase from the current 10 launches per year to 14.
Source
domesticNeutral / independent