A Brussels conference (Space Strategy for Europe:The Road Ahead) heard senior speakers from Europe’s space businesses urge delegates and industry leaders to “buy European” for their satellite, military and commercial, and satellite launches.

Belgium’s deputy prime minister, Didier Reynders spoke for many when he expressed fears that changes in US strategy under the Trump administration could impact the EU.

Airbus Safran Launchers, which builds the Ariane rockets, told delegates that it needed assurances from Europe’s governments and satellite business communities for this year and the next few years of their commitment (“guarantees”) to using the Ariane family of rockets in order to secure Europe’s long-term access to space.

Satellite operator SES’s CEO Karim Michel Sabbagh told the gathering that his company has 14 satellites under procurement, and that 12 are ordered with European builders, and that many would be launched by the European Arianespace rockets.

Categories: Articles, Business, Funding