Space X and European Space Agency sits on a deal for SpaceX to launch major European satellites like the Galileo
The world is currently in a period, where different Space Agencies and Nations are undertaking one after another Space Mission. SpaceX, the American spacecraft and satellite communications company, founded by Elon Musk launched 74 orbital missions so far in 2023. The company is constantly working towards new spaceflight actions.
In the latest development, SpaceX has now signed a deal, by which it has agreed to launch some European communication satellites into orbit. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, SpaceX will launch up to four of Europe’s flagship navigation and secure communications satellites.
However, the deal stands on hold as it still awaits approval by the European Commission, the European Union’s executive arm and EU member states.
The proposed deal:
- SpaceX and the European Space Agency signed an agreement for two launches in 2024. Each launch will include two Galileo satellites.
- According to the agreement, the satellites should be launched on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from the U.S.
The satellites in question will reportedly enable encrypted communications between the European governments. It will also manage the bloc’s satellite navigation system.
The EU’s partnership with SpaceX would be one of the first when it comes to a satellite involved in classified information transmission. However, SpaceX has launched European payloads before. So collaboration between the two agencies is not something new.
