Falcon 9 Launches Galileo Satellites: EU’s Race to Keep Pace in Space Industry

In July 2023, the European Union Space Program Agency (EUSPA) successfully launched the Galileo satellites GM25 and FM27 from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. The launch was carried out by the Falcon 9 rocket, which is operated by SpaceX. The web broadcast of the launch ended after confirmation of payload fairing separation, but no video was provided after the first stage separation.

The launch was not publicized in advance, which is unusual for a mission of this importance. EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, however, took to social media to share his excitement about the successful launch and emphasize its importance for Galileo’s applications. Breton also highlighted the challenges Europe faces due to a lack of launch capabilities, with delays in the Ariane 6 rocket and an inability to access the Russian Soyuz rocket leaving Europe in dire need of its own means for satellite launches.

In response to these challenges, Breton announced a deal with SpaceX in 2023 for Falcon 9 launches carrying Galileo satellites. This is the second European institutional mission to use a Falcon 9 due to the launcher crisis, following ESA’s Euclid space telescope launch in July 2023. The partnership with SpaceX has proven crucial for ensuring that Europe remains competitive in the global space industry and continues to support scientific research and technological innovation through satellite launches.