The European Space Agency (ESA) has begun preliminary talks with SpaceX about the temporary use of its launchers. The surprise move towards Elon Musk’s US-based aerospace company comes as a result of the conflict in Ukraine, which has prevented the West from accessing Russia’s Soyuz rockets.

According to ESA, the talks are currently at an exploratory phase, with SpaceX being considered alongside Japan and India to temporarily plug the gap until Europe’s own Ariane 6 launcher is ready.

The final decision is dependent on the timetable for the delayed Ariane 6 launcher. Its European manufacturer, Arianespace, originally intended for Ariane 6 to be operational by 2020, however this date has already been pushed back a number of times, with the latest plans putting the launch date as June 2023.

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SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, has entered talks with ESA to provide launchers, following delays to the Ariane 6 project. Photo: NASA

In a recent interview, ESA’s director general, Josef Aschbacher, outlined the options that were being considered, commenting,

"I would say there are two and a half options that we're discussing. One is SpaceX, that is clear. Another one is possibly Japan. Japan is waiting for the inaugural flight of its next generation rocket. Another option could be India. SpaceX I would say is the more operational of those and certainly one of the back-up launches we are looking at."

Ariane 6 – Europe’s delayed launcher

The development of Arianespace’s €3.6 billion ($3.7 billion) Ariane 6 launcher began in 2012. Once completed, it is intended to replace both the existing Ariane 5 launchers, used by ESA for large payloads, and Russia’s Soyuz launchers, used for medium-sized payloads.

The project is currently in the testing phase until October, and once that is completed, a clearer timetable for launch will be available. According to Aschbacher, ESA will then be able to present its backup plan to ministers of the agency’s 22 member states in November.

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SpaceX
The final decision on which launchers ESA will use is expected to be announced later this year. Photo: SpaceX

Choosing an alternative launcher

For ESA, there are of course many complexities to consider when sourcing alternative launchers. For example, the interface between the satellite and the launcher must be compatible, and the payload must not be compromised by any unfamiliar types of launch vibration.

Aschbacher went on to discuss the issue, saying,

"We of course need to make sure that they are suitable. It's not like jumping on a bus. We are looking into this technical compatibility but we have not asked for a commercial offer yet. We just want to make sure that it would be an option in order to make a decision on asking for a firm commercial offer.”

SpaceX Starlink
SpaceX has collaborated with a number of airlines, including Delta Air Lines, on providing inflight WiFi through its Starlink program. Photo: SpaceX

A deal with ESA would be lucrative for Space X, but is dependent on the outcome of ESA’s decision later this year. In the meantime, the aerospace company is continuing to establish further connections with the aviation industry – earlier this year, both Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines teamed up with SpaceX to provide onboard WiFi through its Starlink satellite network.

What do you think about the talks between ESA and SpaceX? Do you think ESA will opt to collaborate with SpaceX, Japan, or India for its Ariane 6 project? Share your thoughts by commenting below.