Archive · 10 Sep 2026
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.
French President Emmanuel Macron urged Europe to establish an independent crewed spaceflight capability within 10 years.
He proposed docking the Nyx cargo capsule with the International Space Station within two years.
Macron wants the Argonaut lunar lander to reach the Moon within five years.
By the end of the decade, Europe should launch a crewed capsule from Kourou carrying European and foreign astronauts.
ESA officials estimate Europe would need about 1 billion euros annually for a decade to develop the required capabilities.
- Who
- French President Emmanuel Macron and European Space Agency officials.
- What
- A proposal for Europe to develop an independent crewed spaceflight capability within 10 years.
- When
- The proposal was made on Thursday; ESA ministers are expected to discuss next steps in December.
- Where
- At an international space summit in Paris, with a proposed crewed launch from Kourou in French Guiana.
- Why
- To reduce Europe’s dependence on foreign space providers and strengthen its space industry and strategic autonomy.
- 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.