Emmanuel Macron calls on Europe to develop an autonomous capability for manned space flights. During the international space summit held in Paris, the French president set the goal of launching, within ten years, a European capsule carrying astronauts from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou.
The head of state presented a three-step timeline. He wants to see the European cargo capsule Nyx dock with the International Space Station within two years, then the Argonaut lander touch down on the Moon within five years. The manned capsule would be the culmination of this strategy aimed at reducing European dependence on foreign powers.
A “European preference” in the space sector
Emmanuel Macron invited member states to adopt a European preference in their space orders and investments. Europe remains dependent on the United States to transport its astronauts into orbit and must also face the rise of China as well as the growing dominance of private companies like SpaceX.
The French president finally advocated for shared governance of space and international regulation adapted to new challenges. Considering that European space policy remains fragile, he called on the continent to accelerate its investments in order to become one of the main global players in the sector.
