Europe may accelerate space launches to meet satellite demand
02/09/2026 14:14
Europe may accelerate space launches to meet satellite demand PARIS, Sept 2 (Reuters) - The European Space Agency is weighing an increase in the planned launch schedules of Ariane 6 and Vega-C rockets in coming years to overcome a potential bottleneck in satellite launches, the head of the 23-nation body said on Wednesday.
Director General Josef Aschbacher told a group of reporters that a decision would be needed soon if estimates of a surge in demand peaking in 2030 were to materialise. Operator Arianespace currently projects 9 to 10 Ariane 6 launches a year from 2027.
(Reporting by Tim Hepher; Editing by Alex Richardson)
((tim.hepher@thomsonreuters.com; +33 1 49 49 54 52; Reuters Messaging: tim.hepher.thomsonreuters@reuters.net))
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