Europe’s Space Program Plays Catch-Up With China and India

(Nikkei Asia) — Europe’s intention to launch a return cargo mission to the International Space Station by 2028 puts it years behind China and India, with industry experts saying that unless there is greater political will and commitment of funds, its access to space in the future will be limited.

France, Germany and Italy agreed earlier this month at the European Space Agency Space Summit in Spain to commit 340 million euros ($363 million) per year to the Ariane 6 rocket program, a decision backed by all 22 members. But that is hardly enough to catch up with China and India, which have been reaching milestone after milestone.