EU weather satellite agency’s SpaceX launch decision needs urgent review, lead space MEP says

The European Union’s weather satellite agency should review its decision to use US launchers over the European option Ariane-6, MEP Christophe Grudler wrote in a letter sent to the organisation’s board on Thursday (4 July), seen by Euractiv.

In a letter headlined “Request to reconsider launch decision in favour of European strategic interests”, Grudler disputes the decision of EUMETSAT, the intergovernmental European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites, to choose America rather than Europe for launching its new satellite.

He argues it goes against the principle of giving preference to Europe, something the organisation denies.

“I am writing to urgently request that you reconsider the recent decision to allocate the MTG-S1 satellite launch to a non-EU launch provider, and instead await the results of the inaugural launch of Ariane-6, which was your first choice for this satellite,” the Liberal member of Parliament wrote in a letter to the board.

The organisation, headed by 30 European states, decided last week to launch the weather forecasting and climate monitoring MTG-S1 satellite with tech tycoon Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Originally, the launch was planned on an Ariane-6, but because of delays, SpaceX was considered as Plan B. While Ariane-6 is launched next week, the board decided, ten days ahead, to stick to plan B, rather than wait and assess the European-made company Ariane-6.

Grudler’s requests are threefold: “Cancel the last Council decision regarding a specific launcher solution, Await the inaugural launch of Ariane-6 before making any final decisions for MTG-S1; Reaffirm your dedication to European strategic autonomy by supporting European launch solutions”.

EUMETSAT’s move is a blow to the struggling European space industry and the Europeans’ efforts to secure independent access to space.

It also is, to a certain extent, to the interpretation of the “Europe first clause” in EUMETSAT’s convention, at a time where the Europeans are looking at boosting their strategic industrial autonomy.

For Grudler, EUMETSAT’s decision should have taken into account the Ariane-6 option, even though its board meeting date had been planned long before the first launch date.

“The impact of this decision extends beyond strategic concerns. It directly affects the citizens of your member states by jeopardising jobs and economic stability within the European space industry,” Grudler said in the letter.

[Edited by Alexandra Brzozowski/ Alice Taylor]

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