Europe faced challenges in the launcher market as it struggled to access Russian rockets and delays in the introduction of Ariane 6. Amidst this crisis, the European Commission finalized a deal with SpaceX for two Falcon 9 launches in 2024, each carrying two Galileo satellites. The contract was valued at 180 million euros. This is the second European institutional mission to fly on a Falcon 9 due to the ongoing launcher crisis.
On May 21, SpaceX launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying Galileo satellites GM25 and FM27 from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. The European Union Space Program Agency confirmed that the satellites were in orbit and operational after the launch. Despite not being publicized in advance by the European Commission or European Space Agency, this launch showcased the importance of maintaining satellite launching capabilities amidst challenges in the launcher market.
The success of this mission signifies a crucial step for Europe in maintaining its satellite launching capabilities and ensuring resilience, robustness, and continuity of Galileo’s civil and military applications. With no clear solution to Russia’s ban on exports of rocket engines to Europe, space agencies are looking towards private companies like SpaceX to help fill gaps in their space programmes.
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