Space travel - Astronaut Maurer: Freighter important for Europe's role in space
Esa astronaut Matthias Maurer sees the planned European space transporter as a milestone on the way to a greater role for Europe in space. "The recent decision by the European Space Agency (Esa) to launch the development of its own freighter is a breakthrough," the European Space Agency (Esa) astronaut told the German Press Agency. "To be part of the space business in the future, we need something in return."
Following the International Space Station ISS, the 53-year-old Saarland native expects several commercial space stations in Earth orbit. "All these stations will need a reliable resupply service." At the moment, tech billionaire Elon Musk's company SpaceX has a monopoly in this area. "That's why the Americans are very interested in Europe being able to bring its own cargo up - and back," said Maurer.
"We may also be able to use the transporter to bring up astronauts at some point if the European governments want such a technical option for the freighter."
According to Esa, the industry is to present designs for a European space freighter by the beginning of next year, with a target date of 2028. As far as the costs are concerned, a decision on funding will be made when the Esa Council of Ministers in Germany votes on the next three-year budget in 2025.
Matthias Maurer at Esa
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Matthias Maurer, the European Space Agency (Esa) astronaut from Saarbrücken, Germany, believes that the planned European space transporter is crucial for enhancing Europe's role in space travel. He expressed his view to the German Press Agency, stating that the Esa's decision to develop its own freighter is a significant breakthrough. Maurer emphasized the necessity of having a reliable resupply service for future commercial space stations, as several are expected to be established in Earth's orbit following the International Space Station (ISS). Currently, Elon Musk's SpaceX holds a monopoly in this area, and the Americans are interested in Europe having its own cargo-carrying capabilities. Maurer even suggested that the European freighter might one day be used to transport astronauts, if European governments choose to invest in such a capability. According to Esa, design proposals for the space freighter will be presented by early next year, with a target launch date in 2028. Funding decisions will be made by the Esa Council of Ministers at its next three-year budget meeting in Germany in 2025.
Source: www.stern.de
