"Facetiously Speaking: Why Europe Must Not Let "Authoritarians" Dominate Space" Note that the title includes a play on words with "Facetiously Speaking", which may be intended to add humor or tone to the title, but it's not entirely clear what the author means by this phrase.

Facetiously Speaking: Why Europe Must Not Let "Authoritarians" Dominate SpaceAs we stand at the threshold of a new era in space exploration, it's imperative that Europe takes control of its space ambitions. In this blog post, we'll explore the challenges faced by the European Union (EU) and why it's essential to boost rocket production, increase spending, and streamline its market.The Imperative of Space LeadershipAs EU Defense and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius astutely noted, "Who controls space, controls the future." The stakes are high, and the EU cannot afford to let "authoritarians" – a euphemism for countries like China and Russia – dominate the field. With the war in Ukraine serving as a stark reminder of the importance of gathering intelligence data from space, Europe must prioritize its space ambitions.The Current State of AffairsWhile the EU has excelled in areas such as navigation, observation, and exploration, it's falling behind in other critical sectors. The recent signing of a contract to develop the Iris² secure space-based communication system is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to catch up with rivals.The Need for Rocket ProductionEurope risks missing out if it doesn't produce more rockets. The successful first flight of the heavy-lift Ariane 6 and the lighter Vega-C last month are significant achievements, but they're not enough to ensure Europe's independence in space. Kubilius emphasized that "we should not be dependent on third-country rockets" and called for more, better, and cheaper launchers.The Benefits of a Single MarketTo remedy this, Brussels will propose an EU space law to create a single market in the sector. This move will help streamline the industry, reduce fragmentation, and increase efficiency. By having a unified approach, Europe can better compete with rival powers and ensure its continued dominance in space.A Long-Term Vision for SuccessAs part of this vision, work will begin on creating a long-term plan for how to make the EU into a leading producer of rockets. This ambitious goal requires a concerted effort from policymakers, industry stakeholders, and scientists. By 2025, we can expect significant progress in this area, shaping the future of space exploration.ConclusionIn conclusion, it's essential that Europe takes control of its space ambitions and doesn't let "authoritarians" dominate the field. By boosting rocket production, increasing spending, and streamlining its market, the EU can ensure its continued leadership in space. As we stand at the threshold of a new era in space exploration, it's crucial that we prioritize our goals and work together to shape the future.Keywords: Authoritarians, Space, EU, Rocket Production, Single Market, Long-Term Vision

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.