Very good start for the Ministerial Conference of the European Space Agency (ESA), which takes place today and tomorrow in Paris. In fact, the ministers Bruno Le Maire for France, Robert Habeck for Germany and Adolfo Urso for Italy have signed a joint statement on the future usage framework for European launchers, during a meeting which has taken place before the start of the summit.

“The statement – says minister Urso – acknowledges the need to rebalance the model which, so far, has governed the usage of two European launchers, Ariane6 and Vega C, where Italy plays a protagonist role”.

“In particular – adds the minister – we hope for a more reasonable allocation of ESA funds, which considers the risks taken by Vega C’s 'prime contractor' and guarantees the right return to the whole Italian space chain and to the other member States which contribute to the success of both launchers”.

Furthermore, the three ministers have agreed on the opening of the European commercial market to the new mini-launchers which, in a future perspective, may also benefit from institutional orders by the ESA.

“This agreement is crucial - according to minister Urso - in the context of the future European space strategy, which is today at the core of the ESA Ministerial Conference, also in the light of the effects caused to the industry by the conflict in Ukraine and to adequately respond to the U.S. competition and the Chinese challenge. This is how we build the European strategic autonomy in a sector where decisions are made on the future global equilibrium” – concludes the minister.

Rich presence of the Italian Space Agency, led by the president Giorgio Saccoccia, in the Italian delegation led by minister Urso.