SpaceX will launch secret European Galileo satellites into orbit due to the unreadiness of Ariane 6 rockets and sanctions against Russia
SpaceX will send secret Galileo satellites into orbit. The company signed a corresponding agreement with the European Space Agency.
The European Space Agency stopped cooperating with Russia after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, the commissioning of the Ariane 6 rocket is constantly postponed. In this regard, Europe has only one candidate left – the American company SpaceX.
If all goes according to plan, SpaceX will send four Galileo navigation satellites into space in 2024. To do this, the company will need two starts. But first, the agreement must be approved by the EU member states and the European Commission.
Galileo is a very important satellite for the EU. They form the basis of the navigation system and ensure independence from the American GPS system and other analogues. In addition, spacecraft are used to transmit data through encrypted channels used by EU officials.
If the agreement is approved, Galileo satellites will be launched from outside the European Union for the first time in 15 years. Currently, the launch site in French Guiana is used for launches.
