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Feature story

Europe takes key decisions to ensure the long-term viability of its launcher sector

February 5, 2004

Funding decisions taken this week by European Space Agency on three major initiatives will ensure Europe's long-term competitiveness in the commercial launch services marketplace.

Soyuz will begin operations in 2006 from a new launch site at the Spaceport in French Guiana. (Image © CNES / Cardete & Huet / Les Yeux Carrés)

Meeting in Paris on February 4, ESA member nations approved funds for the European Guaranteed Access to Space (EGAS) program, gave the go-ahead for Soyuz launcher operations from the Spaceport in French Guiana, and authorized the start of preparatory work for future launch vehicles.

"I applaud the decisions made by ESA member nations, which are crucial to maintaining a strong, stable and competitive European launcher sector over the long-term," said Arianespace CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall.

The EGAS program approved on February 4 helps cover fixed costs that are incurred in Ariane launches at the Spaceport - putting Ariane operations on a more equal support footing as competing launch services that receive government funding.

Action by ESA member nations giving a go-ahead for Soyuz launches from the Spaceport will enable this proven Russian-built vehicle to join Ariane 5 in operations from French Guiana beginning in 2006.

And funding authorized for the Future Launcher Preparatory Program (FLPP) will allow Europe to move ahead with design and definition work for the further development of expendable launchers as well as the study of technology needed to build reusable launchers.

"Europe can today fly high: we have a launcher which is highly appreciated worldwide and the preparation of future developments is now a reality," said ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain after the ESA meeting at the agency's Paris headquarters. "And when, in 2006, Soyuz lifts off from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou (French Guiana), we will have reached with our Russian partner another important milestone for Europe in space."