ESA now considers SpaceX rockets as replacements for Roscosmos' Soyuz spacecraft. The European Space Agency announced this plan after Russia decided to block Western access to its advanced spaceships.
(Photo : Photo credit should read NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty Images)
The Soyuz-TMA 11 rocket is transported to a launch pad at the Baikonur cosmodrome early 08 October 2007. The launch of an international space crew is set to take place from Baikonur in Kazakhstan 10 October 2007.
The Russian government decided to do this due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Now, ESA said that is already started its preliminary technical discussions with the American aerospace company.
However, this will still depend on the recovery of the delayed Ariane 6 rocket, the launch system project created by the partnership between ESA and ArianeGroup.
SpaceX Rockets To Replace Roscosmos' Soyuz?
Via CNBC's latest report, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher explained that there are two options that the European Space Agency is currently discussing.
(Photo : Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the manned Crew Dragon spacecraft attached takes off from launch pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center on May 30, 2020 in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
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These are specified using the rockets of SpaceX and relying on Japan's launch systems.
"Japan is waiting for the inaugural flight of its next-generation rocket. Another option could be India," said Aschbacher.
He added that SpaceX is their main option since the launch systems of Elon Musk's independent company are more efficient compared to other models.
But, the ESA official clarified that they would check the compatibility of SpaceX's rockets before concluding. Of course, the aerospace company must also agree with the European Space Agency.
One of their concerns is if SpaceX's rockets are suitable for the interface of ESA's satellites. On the other hand, other payloads should also remain unaffected by the vibrations made by SpaceX's launchers.
ESA Being Reliant To Soyuz
Channel News Asia reported that ESA has been reliant on the Soyuz rockets of Roscosmos for the past few years.
The European Space Agency uses these advanced spacecraft to launch medium-sized payloads.
But, it also uses other spaceships, such as the Italian Vega. But, this rocket model can only bring small payloads into orbit.
On the other hand, heavy space packages of ESA are carried by the existing Ariane 5. As of press time, the space agency's officials are still waiting for the delayed Ariane 6.
This new launch system is expected to be completed around 2023. But, the efficiency of the development will still be the deciding factor.
Meanwhile, the SpaceX Falcon 9 crashed into a bridge, leading to serious damages.
Recently, the launch schedule of the SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission was confirmed.
For more news updates about ESA and its upcoming SpaceX rocket usage, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by: Griffin Davis
