European Space Agency (ESA) member states will examine options for Europe’s astronaut access and wider exploration program in Rome on Dec. 15, as a €10 billion crew-launch proposal remains unapproved.
ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot traveled to the International Space Station on Feb. 13 aboard a SpaceX Dragon launched from Florida. The flight illustrates Europe’s current reliance on a foreign spacecraft for crew access. ESA is an intergovernmental organization with 23 member states, making the Rome gathering an agency-wide meeting rather than an EU-only decision.
The agenda covers low Earth orbit after the space station, Europe’s role around the Moon and future Mars exploration. In September, ESA member states backed stronger exploration capabilities while supporting continued international partnerships.
In a Sept. 23 interview with Spanish newspaper El País, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher described a €10 billion effort over 10 years to give Europe the ability to launch its own astronauts. At a Sept. 9 summit, he put a broader exploration effort at about €1 billion a year for a decade. His speech did not assign a separate price to a crew transport system.
Aschbacher estimated that buying astronaut flights from foreign providers would cost €5 billion over 10 years. He said most of that spending would go to foreign industry and that missions beyond Europe’s control would require permission. The speech does not show whether that estimate and the €10 billion proposal cover the same capabilities. Aschbacher argued European investment could support jobs, autonomy and negotiating power.
Europe’s launch vehicles and crew transport remain distinct capabilities. Aschbacher said Ariane 6 and Vega-C had restored Europe’s access to space, while crew transport and the launch, operating and recovery systems it needs remain under consideration.
Cargo development is proceeding separately. ESA signed a €760 million contract with The Exploration Company on Sept. 10 for its Nyx vehicle. The agreement assigns €310 million to a demonstration mission; another €450 million is tied to two optional missions that require confirmation.
Ministers will consider the options in Rome on Dec. 15. ESA’s next Council at Ministerial Level is planned for 2028.
