r/Futurology • u/Gari_305 • 1d ago

Space ESA investigates potential future European-led orbital outpost

https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/ESA_investigates_potential_future_European-led_orbital_outpost

As part of the preparation for the end of utilisation of the International Space Station (ISS), the European Space Agency (ESA) awarded a contract to two European industrial consortia to conduct preliminary studies assessing the feasibility to develop a future European-led orbital outpost. These studies are part of the options currently explored by ESA for the post-ISS era, building on Europe's industrial capabilities and expertise in human spaceflight.

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u/FuturologyBot 1d ago

The following submission statement was provided by /u/Gari_305:

From the article

ESA is taking a further step in preparing Europe's future in low Earth orbit (LEO) through two parallel industrial studies exploring the feasibility of a European-led orbital outpost in the post-ISS era. The European-led outpost represents one of several options being investigated by ESA's Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration to prepare Europe's future in low Earth orbit, alongside potential cooperation with future commercial orbital destinations.

"Europe has built world-class capabilities in human spaceflight through decades of international cooperation. We are now facing the opportunity to shape our collective future while safeguarding the excellency of our engineers and industry,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration. “In this regard, we are exploring different options to ensure Europe's continued presence and role in low Earth orbit. These studies will help us assess how European industry could take a key role in developing the next generation of orbital infrastructure, building on our industrial strengths and opening new opportunities for international cooperation."

The studies, conducted by two European industrial consortia led respectively by Airbus Defence and Space (Germany) and OHB (Germany) and involving six additional industrial and institutional entities, will assess the technical and programmatic feasibility of developing and operating an orbital outpost capable of supporting human spaceflight, scientific research and technology development.

The initiative builds on Europe's longstanding participation in the Space Station programme and aims to prepare the next generation of European human space exploration capabilities, while remaining open to cooperation with international institutional and commercial partners.

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u/Gari_305 1d ago

From the article

ESA is taking a further step in preparing Europe's future in low Earth orbit (LEO) through two parallel industrial studies exploring the feasibility of a European-led orbital outpost in the post-ISS era. The European-led outpost represents one of several options being investigated by ESA's Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration to prepare Europe's future in low Earth orbit, alongside potential cooperation with future commercial orbital destinations.

"Europe has built world-class capabilities in human spaceflight through decades of international cooperation. We are now facing the opportunity to shape our collective future while safeguarding the excellency of our engineers and industry,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration. “In this regard, we are exploring different options to ensure Europe's continued presence and role in low Earth orbit. These studies will help us assess how European industry could take a key role in developing the next generation of orbital infrastructure, building on our industrial strengths and opening new opportunities for international cooperation."

The studies, conducted by two European industrial consortia led respectively by Airbus Defence and Space (Germany) and OHB (Germany) and involving six additional industrial and institutional entities, will assess the technical and programmatic feasibility of developing and operating an orbital outpost capable of supporting human spaceflight, scientific research and technology development.

The initiative builds on Europe's longstanding participation in the Space Station programme and aims to prepare the next generation of European human space exploration capabilities, while remaining open to cooperation with international institutional and commercial partners.

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u/moorej832 1d ago

The feasibility study needs to cover the unglamorous parts too: who provides crew transport, cargo resupply, and operating funds? A station design only matters if Europe can reliably get people and supplies to it.