Originally published here.

The space race of the 20th century was characterized by a desire to colonize distant planets, but in the 21st century, the focus has shifted to what space tech can do for life, and investment, here on Earth.

“Dix, neuf, huit, sept, six, cinq, quatre, trois, deux, un!” For those of us accustomed to hearing the business of space travel conducted exclusively in American English, the countdown of the Ariane 6 rocket launch on 9 July, 2024 was a little jarring, but it signalled a clear shift in Europe’s approach to space engineering. The rocket, designed to launch satellites into the Earth’s orbit for both private and public sector clients, is a truly European piece of tech, with funding coming directly from the central governments of France (55%), Germany (21%) and Italy (7.6%) respectively. So naturally, “décollage!” replaced “liftoff!” for the day."

"The launch of Ariane 6 represents a critical moment for European space exploration; after over a decade of development and testing, the bloc might be close to independence in its extraterrestrial pursuits. But in that decade, thanks to hefty NASA contracts and generous financial investment, SpaceX has raced ahead of its European competition and threatens to keep widening the gap, unless Europe can present a more coherent and targeted approach to the sector. Early signs suggest that it can."

While it may feel like the global boom in space exploration has occurred overnight, growth has been happening at least for the last decade. The goals of most launches are less lofty than Elon Musk’s preoccupation with reaching Mars or probing other galaxies. Recent years have seen a speedy escalation predominantly due to a huge increase in demand for satellites. According to the Index of Objects Launched into Outer Space, maintained by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, there were 11,330 individual satellites orbiting the Earth at the end of June 2023; an increase of 37.94% since January 2022.

The future (and present) of global communications, defense, and potentially climate technology depends on space tech development. It is virtually impossible to lead on the world stage without leading in space. Re-establishing Europe as a competitor in this bold frontier creates a real advantage across vital industries and aims.

Global navigation systems are a prime example of the growth opportunities available. Once exclusively a military tool, today GPS technology can be found in our watches, our phones, and our cars, all of which send signals up to those thousands of satellites orbiting the planet. Space is the key vector for communications technologies used by billions of people each day. Demand is growing, and Europe is uniquely placed to service it.

Greater demand means an increase in launches which, thanks to SpaceX, have dramatically reduced in cost. SpaceX not only lowered numerous barriers to entry, it showed startups and governments a new model for space tech development, which European startups are now exploiting, or poised to exploit. German scaleup The Exploration Company uses a similar public/private approach to secure contracts with NASA and European space agencies, alongside private investment. They are fast progressing towards launching their flagship space capsule, and giving SpaceX a run for their money (See Hélène's interview).

In 2023, there were a total of 223 rocket launches globally, of which approximately 100 occurred in the US, 66 in China, and 19 in Russia. In Europe there were only three. Despite once being a major player in the space sector, the last 20 years has seen the bloc continuously lose ground to China and the United States. Even India has overtaken, creating a space programme from nothing in a little over a decade.

But look beyond the launch statistics, and there’s reason for excitement. Startups are making real progress in specialized areas, proving Europe’s space bona fides even where the public investment has been lacking. In France alone, E-Space is building sustainable low-orbit satellites, Latitude is making 3D-printed rocket engines, and Dark is developing technology to prevent large space debris from re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. Meanwhile, The Exploration Company is tackling the core issue, building affordable and (relatively) accessible space capsules for governments and private businesses. With the right support, and with pan-European initiatives like Ariane 6 continuing to thrive, these startups could help Europe reclaim its place as a space superpower.

There are concrete reasons why space independence is crucial for Europe. With more isolationist policies becoming the norm in the US (a trend unlikely to change in Trump’s second term), and broken ties with Russia, the bloc risks being left without vital tools upon which it has come to depend. If Europe relies on other countries’ rockets to reach orbit, and doesn’t have its own satellites by which to navigate, it risks serious instability in an increasingly volatile global landscape. If Ukraine’s communications can be shut down at the whim of one billionaire, then Europe is similarly exposed.

Dependence on its allies also inhibits European innovation, which is essential to continued economic success. Space is clearly a growth industry, with endless opportunities and possibilities to explore. Now is the time for investment and excitement.

While it may feel like the global boom in space exploration has occurred overnight, growth has been happening at least for the last decade. The goals of most launches are less lofty than Elon Musk’s preoccupation with reaching Mars or probing other galaxies. Recent years have seen a speedy escalation predominantly due to a huge increase in demand for satellites. According to the Index of Objects Launched into Outer Space, maintained by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, there were 11,330 individual satellites orbiting the Earth at the end of June 2023; an increase of 37.94% since January 2022.

The future (and present) of global communications, defense, and potentially climate technology depends on space tech development. It is virtually impossible to lead on the world stage without leading in space. Re-establishing Europe as a competitor in this bold frontier creates a real advantage across vital industries and aims.

Global navigation systems are a prime example of the growth opportunities available. Once exclusively a military tool, today GPS technology can be found in our watches, our phones, and our cars, all of which send signals up to those thousands of satellites orbiting the planet. Space is the key vector for communications technologies used by billions of people each day. Demand is growing, and Europe is uniquely placed to service it.

Greater demand means an increase in launches which, thanks to SpaceX, have dramatically reduced in cost. SpaceX not only lowered numerous barriers to entry, it showed startups and governments a new model for space tech development, which European startups are now exploiting, or poised to exploit. German scaleup The Exploration Company uses a similar public/private approach to secure contracts with NASA and European space agencies, alongside private investment. They are fast progressing towards launching their flagship space capsule, and giving SpaceX a run for their money (See Hélène's interview).

Space agencies have also changed. In the past, hardware and software was built and owned by NASA, Roscosmos, the European Space Agency (ESA), and their peers, which only gave subsidies to select major players like Lockheed Martin, Thalys, or Airbus, primarily for military projects. Now, national and international agencies are collaborating and contracting with small companies. Startups today can get private investment off the back of stable NASA contracts—show prospective investors real NASA contracts, and the venture capital money starts to flow.

As a result, the World Economic Forum expects the industry to be worth $1.8 trillion by 2035, more than oil and gas exploration or insurance today. There’s historic precedent for such optimism. The return on investment on the Apollo missions was unfathomable, famously giving birth to PC technology. Camera phones, CAT scans, dustbusters, and even modern running shoes all grew out of extra-terrestrial missions, not to mention water filtration systems that were first invented for use on space stations. Modern space stations can fully self-sustain their water needs, and analogous technologies are now used to provide clean water to drought-stricken areas and combat zones. What happens in space has a significant impact on tech development back on Earth.

In 2023, there were a total of 223 rocket launches globally, of which approximately 100 occurred in the US, 66 in China, and 19 in Russia. In Europe there were only three. Despite once being a major player in the space sector, the last 20 years has seen the bloc continuously lose ground to China and the United States. Even India has overtaken, creating a space programme from nothing in a little over a decade.

But look beyond the launch statistics, and there’s reason for excitement. Startups are making real progress in specialized areas, proving Europe’s space bona fides even where the public investment has been lacking. In France alone, E-Space is building sustainable low-orbit satellites, Latitude is making 3D-printed rocket engines, and Dark is developing technology to prevent large space debris from re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. Meanwhile, The Exploration Company is tackling the core issue, building affordable and (relatively) accessible space capsules for governments and private businesses. With the right support, and with pan-European initiatives like Ariane 6 continuing to thrive, these startups could help Europe reclaim its place as a space superpower.

There are concrete reasons why space independence is crucial for Europe. With more isolationist policies becoming the norm in the US (a trend unlikely to change in Trump’s second term), and broken ties with Russia, the bloc risks being left without vital tools upon which it has come to depend. If Europe relies on other countries’ rockets to reach orbit, and doesn’t have its own satellites by which to navigate, it risks serious instability in an increasingly volatile global landscape. If Ukraine’s communications can be shut down at the whim of one billionaire, then Europe is similarly exposed.

Dependence on its allies also inhibits European innovation, which is essential to continued economic success. Space is clearly a growth industry, with endless opportunities and possibilities to explore. Now is the time for investment and excitement.

Even with some significant achievements, Europe has taken a back seat in the space race. In the 1970s, the first iteration of the Ariane program gave the continent its own space launch capacity—and the ability to send satellites into orbit. The ESA managed to put the Beagle 2 rover on Mars. It has been a key partner in launching the Hubble Telescope, orbiting Saturn, and launching countless satellites, but rarely has Europe occupied the driving seat in these missions.

The economic case outlined above is clear, and there are concrete societal benefits too. Space inspires—it gives people a shared sense of endeavour and hope, something to look to the stars and dream about. As Europe faces a period of geopolitical instability, with real existential questions about its institutions and leaders, a first-class European space program could breed pride in the bloc’s achievements, belief in its shared ideals, and unity at a time when division has become the norm.

Space exploration is in a new golden era, with both public and private increased investment growing quickly. SpaceX has shown a new model for funding innovation, and achieved extraordinary results in a short period. But Europe is ripe for expansion and investment.

A cohesive, committed European space strategy is needed once more, with public policy and investment driving enthusiasm in the private sector. This shift is already happening, and is crucial for European security, the economy, and its shared identity.

Space technology and exploration is a nexus for innovation already, and only promises to grow in the coming years. Europe is ready and waiting to turn its attention to the stars.