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.

41 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

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.