ESA Tightens European Launch Vehicle Certification Requirements... U.S. Capital-Attracting Companies on Alert

 

 

 

The European Space Agency (ESA) has significantly tightened the certification requirements for European launch vehicles, causing concern among European launch vehicle companies that have attracted capital from non-European countries, such as the United States.

In a resolution announced on July 5, the ESA set forth stringent criteria for European launch vehicle certification.

The core requirement is that the registered address, decision-making center, development and manufacturing facilities, and launch operation sites of launch vehicle operating companies must all be located within the territories of ESA member states or EU member states.

Particularly, a new provision has been added stating that launch vehicles will not be recognized as European if they are under the dominant influence of non-European entities. This is expected to make it difficult for some European companies, which have heavily attracted US capital, to obtain certification.

'Dominant influence' will be judged based on a comprehensive assessment of ownership, financial participation, and regulatory application.

This measure is interpreted as showing ESA's determination to strengthen the competitiveness and self-reliance of the European launch vehicle industry.

However, some have raised concerns that excessively restrictive policies could potentially hinder the growth of the European launch vehicle industry.

European launch vehicle companies are now faced with the situation of having to adjust their business strategies to meet ESA's new requirements.

Companies that have relied on American capital, in particular, will need to diversify their funding methods or focus on attracting investments within Europe.

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ESA Tightens European Launch Vehicle Certification Requirements... U.S. Capital-Attracting Companies on Alert