European agency aims to develop spacecraft to take astronauts to Moon
ESA director-general outlines plan to develop independent human launch capability within a decade
An artist’s image of the European Space Agency’s new-generation rocket launcher, the Ariane 6
I don't understand why agencies funded by governments couldn't try to make their own starship that is fully reusable and attempt to outdo musk. This is why I still have to respect Elon even through I violently disagree with some of his opinions. He gets it done.
The European Space Agency is drawing up proposals to develop spacecraft over the next decade that could fly ESA astronauts into orbit and to the Moon, according to its director-general Josef Aschbacher.
Speaking to the Financial Times ahead of the FT Investing in Space summit in London, Aschbacher said developing an independent human launch capability was crucial for Europe to catch up in a rapidly evolving global race to space.
“What is happening in the US, China and India is quite impressive,” he said. “If you step back and see where Europe stands globally, you see that Europe has not engaged at the same level. I see so many opportunities, some of them lost opportunities.”