The European Union is finalizing a major space agreement worth £154 million with the United States, leveraging SpaceX for EU satellite launches in response to the unavailability of Russia’s Soyuz launcher and delays in Europe’s Ariane system.
The European Union (EU) is finalizing a significant £154 million space agreement with the United States, enabling launches by Elon Musk’s SpaceX for EU satellites. This collaboration is a direct response to the unavailability of Russia’s Soyuz launcher amid the Ukraine conflict and delays in Europe’s Ariane rocket system. The agreement will grant the EU and European Space Agency (ESA) access to SpaceX facilities, including its launchpad, and outlines responsibilities for debris management in event of launch failures. Despite these developments, the Ariane 6 rocket’s first launch is scheduled for April, with a subsequent launch in July. This deal, set to expire in 2027, represents a strategic move to maintain satellite deployment capabilities and illustrates the importance of international cooperation in space exploration.
In another sphere, Elon Musk engaged in a contentious interview with former CNN anchor Don Lemon, where he defended his views on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), free speech, and content moderation on his platform, X, formerly known as Twitter. During the interview, Musk also touched on personal matters, including his use of ketamine to address depression, and criticized the effectiveness of affirmative action measures. The conversation also veered into Musk’s potential future projects that may bridge his interests in Tesla and SpaceX, hinting at innovative uses of rocket technology in automobile development. Additionally, Musk shared perspectives on a recent meeting with Donald Trump and the anticipated presidential race. The interview highlighted ongoing debates over free speech, content moderation, and diversity practices, reflecting Musk’s controversial stance on several societal and technological issues.
