AirBus CEO on why SpaceX model may not work in Europe: Elon Musk’s space is not pleasing anybody except … – Times of India

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury has reportedly expressed concerns over the potential anti-trust implications of a SpaceX-like model in Europe. He highlighted the stark contrast between the European space industry, characterized by its fragmented approach and stringent regulations, and SpaceX’s highly integrated and innovative model. According to a report by news agency Reuters, “I think what the Americans and what SpaceX have done is amazing. It’s amazing and it’s breaking some rules of what we’re doing. It’s very concentrated, where with European projects we are very scattered and distributed,” Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said.
“SpaceX’s insurgent Falcon 9 rocket has slashed launch costs by introducing reusable rocketry into the commercial industry, enabling deployment of the company’s fast-growing Starlink constellation, now tallied at nearly 7,000 satellites in orbit. By contrast, Europe’s flagship Ariane 6 launcher, which is partly built by Airbus, has yet to stage its first commercial flight after a long-delayed test flight in July. It plans some 10 flights a year, a fraction of the pace at SpaceX,” said the Reuters report.

European space industry’s big challenges

In contrast, the European space industry has been plagued by delays, cost overruns, and bureaucratic hurdles. The Ariane 6 launcher, a key European project, has faced significant setbacks, while SpaceX continues to dominate the market.
“In Europe, we tend to do the … opposite. We make 20%, we buy 80%. And by buying 80%, you have a large supply base which is pleasing everybody. Well, Elon Musk’s space is not pleasing anybody except Elon Musk,” Faury said.
Backed by Europe’s leading space-funding nations such as France, Airbus and other manufacturers have reportedly long complained that Europe’s space industry is hit by by rules requiring work to be shared between countries involved in funding Ariane. By contrast, SpaceX is free to decide where to invest and manufactures 80% of what it needs, Faury reportedly said.
AirBus CEO emphasized the need for Europe to adapt to the changing landscape of the space industry. He acknowledged that the current European model, characterized by a distributed approach and strict regulations, may hinder innovation and competitiveness.

Balancing innovation and regulation

The European space industry faces a delicate balancing act between fostering innovation and ensuring fair competition. While regulations are necessary to maintain a level playing field, they should not stifle progress.