SpaceX is set to conduct launches for the European Space Agency (ESA), deploying four navigation satellites. This development comes as ESA faces ongoing delays in the deployment of their own next-generation launch vehicles.

The initial report was provided by The Wall Street Journal, and earlier this summer, Politico noted that the European Commission had been exploring options beyond their borders for a launcher for the Galileo satellites. During this period, United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan system was also under consideration.

SpaceX and ESA have inked an agreement for two Falcon 9 launches scheduled for 2024, with each mission carrying two “Galileo” navigation satellites.

Final approval of this agreement is pending, subject to endorsement from the European Commission and EU member states, a process anticipated to conclude by year-end, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Ideally, Europe had aimed to rely on their own rockets, such as the long-delayed Ariane 6 or Vega-C, Tech Crunch reported.

However, technical delays in these rocket development programs compelled them to seek solutions elsewhere.

The use of Soyuz, Russia’s dependable rocket, was ruled out due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

ESA is particularly eager to expand the Galileo satellite network, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining a fully autonomous European global satellite navigation system, independent of the United States and China.

These satellites, equipped with classified technology, are capable of transmitting encrypted navigation data for European military applications.

Written by staff