How close is Europe to developing reusable rocket technology?
Background
Reusable rockets have become a hot topic in the space industry, with companies like SpaceX leading the way. Reusable rockets have the potential to make space travel cheaper, more efficient, and more sustainable. However, according to a new report, Europe won’t have reusable rockets for at least another decade.
The report
The report comes from the European Court of Auditors, which is responsible for overseeing EU finances. The report states that Europe’s space program is falling behind other countries in terms of reusable rockets. The report cites a lack of investment and coordination among the different EU countries as the main reasons for this.
The impact
The lack of reusable rockets could have a significant impact on Europe’s space industry. Without reusable rockets, space launches will continue to be expensive, and Europe will find it difficult to compete with countries like the US, China, and Russia. Furthermore, reusable rockets are vital for future space exploration missions, which could be hampered if Europe is unable to develop this technology.
Steps being taken
Despite the report’s findings, steps are being taken to address Europe’s lack of reusable rockets. The European Space Agency (ESA) is currently working on its first reusable rocket, the Themis, which is expected to make its first flight in 2023. Additionally, the ESA is working on the Space Rider project, which is a reusable spacecraft designed to bring payloads back to Earth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Europe’s lack of reusable rockets is a cause for concern in the space industry. However, steps are being taken to address this issue, and it is hoped that Europe will be able to catch up with other countries in the coming years. Reusable rockets are essential for the future of space exploration and must be a priority for Europe’s space industry.