SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, is preparing to launch European satellites equipped with secret technology for the Galileo system. An agreement has been reached for SpaceX to launch four Galileo satellites together with the European Space Agency.
Europe reluctantly chooses SpaceX to launch GPS satellites
These launches on Falcon 9 rockets will expand the current constellation of 28 satellites in Europe’s global navigation system. Final approval from the European Union’s executive body is awaited and is expected before the end of 2025.
Javier Benedicto, Director of Navigation at the European Space Agency, confirmed that the Falcon 9 rockets will take off from the US. While the European Commission has been hesitant to rely on a US company for important space infrastructure, challenges from the conflict in Russia and delays in Europe’s Ariane rocket program have left them with limited alternatives.
The Galileo system, the European counterpart to the US Global Positioning System, China’s Beidou and Russia’s GLONASS, will see its satellites launched outside EU territory for the first time in 15 years.
It will also mark the first participation of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in the launch of European satellites carrying classified equipment. Negotiations are ongoing between US and EU officials to reach an agreement that protects this sensitive military communications technology.
As of now, neither SpaceX nor the European Commission immediately responded to a request for comment. There have been recent tensions between Musk and the European Commission over content moderation on X (formerly Twitter), with Musk considering pulling X out of Europe in response to new regulations imposed by the commission.
SpaceX’s previous collaboration with the European Space Agency included the launch of the Euclid telescope in July, beginning a six-year mission to explore the mysteries of the dark universe. What do you think? Please don’t forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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