Europe satellite operator drops Ariane 6 rocket for SpaceX
Europe's EUMETSAT switches from Ariane 6 to SpaceX's Falcon 9 for an upcoming launch due to Ariane 6 delays. Concerns arise among European space officials over reliance on non-European rockets.
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Europe's weather satellite operator has decided to switch from using the European rocket Ariane 6 to SpaceX's Falcon 9 for an upcoming launch, as reported by French newspaper Le Monde. This change comes after years of delays with the Ariane 6, which is now set for its first launch on July 9. The European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) is said to have made this decision, opting for SpaceX over Arianespace. The move involves canceling a contract signed four years ago with Arianespace. The reasons behind this switch were not specified in the report. The decision has raised concerns among European space officials, with Philippe Baptiste from France's CNES space agency expressing disappointment and calling for European satellites to be launched using European rockets. This development highlights challenges faced by European space efforts, including delays in Ariane 6 launches and setbacks with other launch vehicles. SpaceX's reusable Falcon 9 rocket is set to have significantly more launches this year compared to Ariane 6.
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