Kubilius: “Europe needs its own space mobility; the EU must build new launch capacity”

Brussels – Increasing investments in space, and even more in space transport: this is the new frontier of common security, and Defence Commissioner Andrius Kibilius wants to make that clear. “We need to take our launch capacity to the next level,” he emphasised at the opening of the 18th European Space Conference, which means investing in a dedicated European space industry. 

Until now, the EU has relied on external launchers and single-use technologies to put its satellite constellations into orbit, meaning they can be used only once. “We need more than powerful rockets alone,” Kubilius said. On the contrary, he explains, “We need the ability to: re-use, respond, and return. Launchers that can be used again and again and again.” 

What has been lacking so far, and what needs to be remedied, is therefore a “quick launch response to replace or repair satellites damaged or destroyed by accidents or enemy action.” Not to mention the issue of return, or re-entry, to “get cargo to space and from space on Earth.” For all this, the Defence Commissioner explains to those present, “we made launching a top priority in the next” MFF 2028-2034. 

After the military mobility, the European Union therefore needs spatial mobility, which requires a production network that is entirely “made in the EU.” Because, as Kubilius emphasises, “European independence in space is not only about security and defence. Above all, we need a strong, competitive industrial base,” which is yet to be created. 

The ultimate goal, when it comes to security and space, remains the space shield. This will require an even more challenging change of pace because it means competing with the US. “The space shield will also protect space against radio frequency interference, and with independent European Space Surveillance and Tracking, EU SST,” the Defence Commissioner assured. However, “Now, in this area, we depend on the US.“ As things stand at present, “Member States now need to ask permission to share data on threats. And this is an obstacle to our security. An obstacle to our independence in space.“