“There are many domains that are seen in space as those in which Europe will want to increase its autonomy, and in a more unstable geopolitical situation, the need for greater autonomy is crystal clear. The situation changes drastically” – said Josef Aschbacher in an interview with “The Guardian”.
See also: The head of ESA about European achievements in space. “It's unbelievable”
According to the Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), Europe's pursuit of greater autonomy than the US means that it must also increase its investments in space technology. “Investments in space in Europe must increase to make sure that Europe can maintain its standard of quality of life and the standard of life of its citizens,” he said.
As “The Guardian” explains, Analysts estimate the industry value at $ 1 trillion. And they notice that in the future it would match today's air sector: with land observation, communication and even tourism. The increase in military expenditure provoked by Trump can accelerate even more, because the armed forces compete for better espionage equipment.
ESA boss: Europe should increase its investments in space technology
For European space science, close cooperation with the USA has been crucial for decades for decades. ESA cooperates with American counterparts on projects, from placing astronauts at the International Space Station, through the James Webb telescope, which studies the radiation of galaxies from billions of years ago, to the Artemis program aimed at returning people to the moon.
As “The Guardian” notes, Josef Aschbacher controls a budget worth 7 billion 700 million euros this year, which is a large amount, but overshadowed by $ 25.4 billion of NASA budget. Trump's return asked questions about whether this cooperation would continue because the United States impose significant cuts on NASA.
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ESA continues its part of planned works by building an Orion capsule for the transport of astronauts. In an interview with “The Guardian” Aschbacher said he was “convinced that the US would continue to cooperate with Europe under the Artemis program”, including the creation of the “Moon Gate” in the orbit of the moon.
See also: A long stay in space changes man. NASA is examining the Twin Astronauts
“If there are changes and if our American partners and friends change their plans, of course we will be ready for Plan B” – said Aschbacher. “And certainly we will strengthen our autonomy and abilities as a consequence. Today is not the time to talk about Plan B, because the plan is there“.
ESA, however, also considers establishing cooperation with other countries that could be part of “Plan B”. Aschbacher mentioned Australia, the United Arab Emirates and India as promising partners for Europe.
