The European Space Agency has reached a preliminary agreement with SpaceX to launch up to four satellites next year. Previously, Europe's latest domestically produced rockets encountered some setbacks during the development process. A spokesman for the European Space Agency said by phone on Monday that the agreement with the European Space Agency still needs final approval from the European Commission and other EU member states before it can officially enter into force.
According to reports, SpaceX plans to launch the Falcon 9 rocket twice, each carrying two Galileo satellites. Javier Benedicto, head of navigation at the European Space Agency, said that the agency’s Galileo constellation provides high-precision navigation services around the world.
In response to this news, SpaceX has not yet responded. Against the background of the active exploration of space by the United States and China, Europe is also working hard to achieve its ambitious goals in the space field.
However, the European Space Agency has recently encountered setbacks. During the development of the Ariane6 rocket, a long-term ignition test originally scheduled for October 3 was postponed to November 23 due to problems with the hydraulic equipment. The European Space Agency aims to use the Ariane6 rocket to launch Galileo satellites in the future. This delay may have some impact on the European Space Agency's plans.