Brussels:The European Union is confronting a growing disparity between the demand for satellite launches and the available launch capacity, as highlighted by Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius.

According to Anadolu Agency, Kubilius addressed this issue during the 2nd EU Access to Space Conference in Brussels, noting that the EU has moved past the initial launcher crisis but now faces a potentially larger challenge.

Over the next decade, approximately 50,000 satellites are projected to be launched globally, yet the launch capacity is not keeping pace, leading to fierce competition for limited opportunities and a significant increase in costs. This situation endangers both national and European space goals, Kubilius warned.

The EU anticipates requiring 62 launches by 2034 for programs such as Galileo, Copernicus, and IRIS². European launch demand is expected to grow nearly sixfold, with specific demand projections indicating that the Ariane launch vehicle will need to perform 14 launches in 2031 alone, despite being set to launch 10 times a year. Similarly, the Vega rocket will require eight launches in 2030, although it is currently planned for six annually.

Kubilius emphasized the importance of addressing challenges related to ground infrastructure, including launch sites and testing facilities, to close the capacity gap. He stressed the significance of autonomous access to space to avoid reliance on foreign rockets.

Furthermore, Kubilius called for increased investment and closer collaboration among the European Commission, the European Space Agency, and member states. He plans to visit launch sites, manufacturing facilities, and test centers throughout Europe to identify bottlenecks and develop solutions, with an action plan for European access to space expected next year.

Kubilius underscored the strategic priority of launching, stating it is Europe's most critical objective in space endeavors.