Europe may increase the launch frequency of its Ariane 6 and Vega-C rockets to meet growing demand for satellite deployments, the European Space Agency (ESA) said. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher warned that launch demand could peak around 2030, creating a potential capacity bottleneck if preparations are not made soon.

Arianespace currently expects to conduct nine or 10 Ariane 6 launches annually from 2027. However, demand from European missions and commercial customers, including Amazon, could exceed planned capacity. Amazon has already commissioned 18 launches, prompting ESA to assess whether additional capacity will be needed to meet future requirements.

ESA is also examining plans to launch astronauts on European rockets instead of relying on U.S. vehicles, while the agency is monitoring a proposed merger involving major European satellite manufacturers. ESA, which accounts for about 60% of Europe’s public-sector satellite spending, said it could use industrial policy measures to maintain competition and strengthen the European space industry’s supply chain.

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