Two recent events have highlighted Europe’s vulnerability in space. A throttling of Elon Musk-owned Starlink disrupted Ukraine’s air defences, while US ambassador Andrew Puzder warned of retaliation if the EU favours European firms in satellite spectrum renewals. Both incidents underscore Europe’s reliance on US technology for security and commerce. Under President Donald Trump, pressuring Brussels to protect US companies has become policy, but threats only deepen European fears that the US will weaponise their dependence. Ironically, Puzder’s intervention strengthens the case for Europe to rapidly build its own capabilities in critical technologies.
Nowhere is the gap clearer than in low Earth orbit, where SpaceX has transformed space economics. Last year, SpaceX conducted 170 launches, compared with just eight by European providers. Europe lags in satellite networks, launch capacity, and cost competitiveness, leaving it — and Ukraine — dependent on American technology. While the EU’s IRIS² programme and boosted funding for the European Space Agency signal progress, Europe must turn initiatives into a competitive industry. It needs to scale satellite manufacturing, foster launch competition, and coordinate procurement. Only then can it develop credible alternatives in technologies essential to its security and economic resilience.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing