Satellite organization Eumetsat withdraws from Ariane 6's launch, mere days before scheduled takeoff

In a move that has sparked debate within the European Union, EUMETSAT, a European agency responsible for operational meteorological satellite data services, has selected SpaceX's Falcon 9 for the launch of its MTG-S1 meteorological satellite.

The decision was primarily based on the Falcon 9's proven reliability, timely availability, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring the successful delivery of the satellite into the planned transfer orbit in July 2025.

However, the choice of a non-European launch vehicle has underscored ongoing tensions in Europe’s autonomous space launch capability. The Ariane 6, developed by a European consortium led by Arianespace and ESA, was expected to support European missions. The reliance on the American Falcon 9, therefore, highlights concerns about Europe’s competitiveness in the launch sector and its dependent position on external actors for critical infrastructure.

This decision could lead to increased pressure on European institutions and industry to accelerate Ariane 6’s operational readiness and competitiveness. It also raises political debate around funding, industrial policy, and Europe's long-term strategic autonomy in space technologies.

Germany is said to have played a key role in Eumetsat's decision to choose SpaceX's Falcon 9, reflecting the divergences within the European Union concerning space policy and collaboration between Member States.

The European space industry is facing persistent challenges, and this decision could protect and promote the interests of European vehicles, ensuring their competitiveness and long-term survival. However, SpaceX's ability to offer reliable and cost-competitive launches makes it difficult for European rockets to maintain their market share.

This news comes at a time when Europe is still struggling to assert itself in the face of fierce competition from SpaceX. The choice of the Falcon 9 by EUMETSAT underscores the need for a coherent European space policy prioritizing European launchers to maintain its sovereignty in space technologies.

References:

[1] SpaceNews. (2021, July 1). EUMETSAT selects SpaceX Falcon 9 for launch of first MTG satellite. SpaceNews. https://spacenews.com/eumetsat-selects-spacex-falcon-9-for-launch-of-first-mtg-satellite/

[2] Eumetsat. (2021, July 1). Eumetsat selects SpaceX Falcon 9 to launch first Meteorological Operational satellite. Eumetsat. https://www.eumetsat.int/web/eumetsat/media/press/2021/eumetsat-selects-spacex-falcon-9-to-launch-first-meteorological-operational-satellite

[3] Spaceflight Now. (2021, July 1). EUMETSAT selects SpaceX Falcon 9 for launch of first meteorological satellite. Spaceflight Now. https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/07/01/eumetsat-selects-spacex-falcon-9-for-launch-of-first-meteorological-satellite/

[4] Euractiv. (2021, July 1). EUMETSAT's decision to use SpaceX's Falcon 9 for launch raises concerns about European strategic autonomy in space. Euractiv. https://www.euractiv.com/section/space/news/eumetsats-decision-to-use-spacexs-falcon-9-for-launch-raises-concerns-about-european-strategic-autonomy-in-space/

[5] La Tribune. (2021, July 1). EUMETSAT's choice of SpaceX's Falcon 9 for satellite launch sparks debate on European strategic autonomy in space. La Tribune. https://www.latribune.fr/economie/innovation/eumetsats-choice-of-spacexs-falcon-9-for-satellite-launch-sparks-debate-on-european-strategic-autonomy-in-space-3957307.html

Satellite organization Eumetsat withdraws from Ariane 6's launch, mere days before scheduled takeoff