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EU Commissioner: EU plans to launch nearly 630 government satellites from 2025 to 2034
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The European Union plans to dramatically increase its satellite launches over the next eight years, according to EU Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius. Speaking to the Financial Times, Kubilius said the EU aims to launch nearly 630 government satellites from 2025 to 2034, up from about 70 between 2016 and 2024. Commercial satellite launches would double to 1,000, and defense satellites would increase from about 20 to nearly 300. By 2034, the EU expects to need 62 rocket launches per year, six times the current rate. Currently, EU launches are primarily conducted from the spaceport in French Guiana, South America. Kubilius stated that site's capacity would need to rise from 10 to 14 launches per year by 2034. The EU is also seeking additional launch sites in Europe and beyond, including in Norway, Scotland, and Canada, and requires more heavy-lift launch capabilities.
Source report
Beijing, September 26 (Xinhua) — The European Union plans to significantly increase satellite launches over the coming years and is seeking to establish launch sites outside the bloc, including in Canada, according to Andrius Kubilius, the EU Commissioner for Defence and Space.
In an interview with the Financial Times published on Thursday, Kubilius outlined ambitious targets for satellite deployment:
- Government satellites: From nearly 70 between 2016 and 2024 to nearly 630 over the next eight years
- Commercial satellites: Doubling to 1,000
- Defence satellites: From approximately 20 to nearly 300
Kubilius expects that by 2034, the EU will require 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.
Currently, the EU's space launches are primarily conducted at the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana, South America. Kubilius noted that the site's launch capacity would need to increase from the current 10 launches per year to 14 by 2034.
In addition, the EU is seeking to develop launch sites on the European continent and beyond, including in Norway, Scotland (United Kingdom), and Canada. The bloc also requires more launch sites capable of handling heavy payloads.
Source
新华社Eastern