Not until a European company produces reusable rockets. This has generally been opposed at Arianespace because it reduces the amount of work available in the host countries
It’s not a race. It’s a jobs program which provides thought essential services to the governments. Just that nowadays, what is considered essential has been expanded.
Arianespace had lots of international customers, not just domestic government. Presumably that’s all gone to SpaceX now, but that’s a new development. Arianespace used to be competitive.
What I wanted to say is, even if they were to never again be competitive, they won’t get dropped by the governments. They are a strategic resource of the European Union.
Not until a European company produces reusable rockets. This has generally been opposed at Arianespace because it reduces the amount of work available in the host countries
And that’s how you lose the space race
It’s not a race. It’s a jobs program which provides thought essential services to the governments. Just that nowadays, what is considered essential has been expanded.
Arianespace had lots of international customers, not just domestic government. Presumably that’s all gone to SpaceX now, but that’s a new development. Arianespace used to be competitive.
What I wanted to say is, even if they were to never again be competitive, they won’t get dropped by the governments. They are a strategic resource of the European Union.