2 hrs ago

Macron Calls for Europe’s Independent Crewed Spaceflight Within Decade

Emmanuel Macron wants Europe to be able to send people into space without depending so much on other countries.

He says Europe should achieve this within the next 10 years.

Europe has not yet carried out its own crewed space mission.

Macron wants the Nyx cargo capsule to dock with the International Space Station within two years.

He also wants the Argonaut lander to reach the Moon within five years.

By the end of the decade, Europe could launch astronauts from French Guiana.

European Space Agency officials say this plan would require about 1 billion euros each year.

They say building these abilities could create jobs and strengthen Europe’s space industry.

Key facts

Ten-year objective: Europe should be ready to launch its first crewed capsule by the end of the decade.
Two-year target: The Nyx cargo capsule should dock with the International Space Station.
Five-year target: The Argonaut lunar lander should reach the Moon’s surface.
Proposed launch site: Kourou, the European spaceport in French Guiana.
Estimated investment: About 1 billion euros annually for the next decade.
Alternative cost: Buying flights for European astronauts from overseas providers could cost about 5 billion euros over 10 years.
ESA budget: The European Space Agency secured a record 22.1 billion euros for programmes over three years last year.

firstpost.com · 2 hrs ago