Europe may spend €10 billion to launch its own astronauts. Why US dependence is becoming costly

Europe is weighing a €10 billion investment over the next decade to develop its own system for sending astronauts into space and bringing them safely back to Earth. The proposal, put forward by European Space Agency (ESA) Director General Josef Aschbacher, will be among the key issues facing member states at a space summit in Rome on 15 December. Governments will discuss funding priorities for human spaceflight, cargo transportation and the technologies needed to support Europe’s future missions.

Europe currently lacks an independent system to transport astronauts to orbit and return them to Earth. For crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS), it relies on capabilities developed outside the continent, particularly in the United States.

Aschbacher estimates that continuing to purchase crew transportation services from foreign providers could cost European taxpayers around €5 billion over ten years. Building an independent system would require a proposed investment of about €10 billion over the same period.

The €10 billion investment remains a proposal, not an approved allocation. The final decision rests with ESA member states.

Why Europe wants to reduce its dependence on the US

Access to space is becoming increasingly important for scientific research, satellite services and commercial activity. For Europe, relying on foreign providers means that crewed missions depend on capabilities, schedules and commercial decisions that it does not fully control.

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An independent crew transportation system would give Europe greater flexibility over its astronaut missions and strengthen its position in international space programmes. It could also support domestic aerospace companies, create demand for advanced engineering and propulsion technologies, and retain a larger share of public investment within the European space industry.

The objective is not to end international cooperation. Europe wants to participate in it from a position of greater technological independence.

Europe has its own rockets, but a key gap remains

Europe already operates launch vehicles such as Ariane 6, designed for heavier payloads, and Vega-C, which serves lighter satellite missions. These rockets are central to the continent’s efforts to maintain independent access to space for institutional and commercial customers.

But the ability to launch satellites does not automatically translate into the ability to transport astronauts. Crewed missions require spacecraft equipped with life-support systems, specialised safety mechanisms and the capability to bring their occupants back to Earth.

Europe’s existing launch infrastructure has therefore not eliminated its reliance on foreign partners for human spaceflight.

US company SpaceX has established a strong position in the global launch market through frequent launches and reusable rocket technology. Recovering and reusing launch vehicles can help reduce costs, although the savings depend on the technology and operating model.

New private-sector players are also seeking to expand Europe’s launch capabilities. German start-up Isar Aerospace made progress in September 2026, when its Spectrum rocket reached space during a test flight. The milestone reflects efforts to build a broader European commercial launch industry, although competing with established global operators will require further development and a sustained record of reliable launches.

Cargo capsules and reusable rockets offer another route to growth

Europe’s ambitions extend beyond crewed missions. The continent is also seeking to develop spacecraft that can transport supplies to orbital stations and return cargo to Earth.

On 10 September 2026, ESA awarded The Exploration Company a contract worth up to €760 million for the next phase of its ALADDIN programme, which supports the development of the Nyx cargo capsule.

The agreement includes €310 million for a demonstration mission and a further €450 million for two additional missions, subject to confirmation. The programme aims to demonstrate Europe’s ability to deliver cargo to low Earth orbit and return it safely, beginning with a mission to the ISS.

The contract highlights the role public agencies can play in building a commercial space industry. By funding development and potentially purchasing services, ESA can help private companies move from experimental technology towards operational missions.

European companies are also pursuing reusable launch technologies. France’s MaiaSpace and Italy’s Avio are among the firms working on technologies intended to improve launch economics and strengthen the continent’s industrial base.

The ISS deadline adds urgency to Europe’s plans

The planned retirement of the International Space Station by 2030 is adding another dimension to Europe’s decisions. As work progresses on potential commercial successors, Europe needs to secure continued access to orbital infrastructure for scientific experiments, technology development and other activities.

Without its own crew transportation system, the continent could remain dependent on external providers to reach future orbital facilities, even as it invests in spacecraft, launch vehicles and other parts of the space economy.

The issue also affects Europe’s longer-term exploration ambitions. ESA wants to strengthen the continent’s contribution to international lunar missions, with the Moon forming part of the pathway towards more ambitious exploration, including missions to Mars.

Greater control over transportation could give Europe more flexibility to participate in these programmes. But that will require coordination between governments, the space agency and private industry, alongside sustained funding.

Rome summit will test Europe’s commitment

The ESA’s Intermediate Ministerial Meeting 2026, scheduled for 15 December in Rome, will give member states an opportunity to assess the proposed investments and determine which priorities they are willing to fund.

The discussions will cover Europe’s role in low Earth orbit, preparations for the post-ISS era and the development of capabilities for lunar exploration. The proposed investment in human spaceflight will be a key test of the continent’s willingness to turn its ambitions into operational capabilities.

For Europe, the decision goes beyond whether it can afford to build its own crew transportation system. It must also consider the strategic value of controlling access to space, the industrial opportunities created by domestic investment and the cost of remaining dependent on external providers.

The proposed €10 billion investment is twice the estimated €5 billion cost of continuing to buy foreign services over the same period. But the two figures do not necessarily represent a like-for-like comparison. Building an independent system would also require Europe to develop and maintain its own industrial capabilities, while the benefits would extend beyond the cost of individual missions.

The December summit will help determine whether European governments are prepared to make that long-term commitment. The outcome could shape not only how Europe sends astronauts into space, but also how much influence its companies and institutions have in the next phase of the global space economy.