The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced that it has secured a historic budget of €22.1 billion to fund its programmes over the next three years, marking a significant boost for Europe’s space ambitions.
The budget, approved by ESA’s 23 member states, is €5 billion higher than the commitment made in 2022 and nearly matches the agency’s proposed €22.2 billion ($25.7 billion) plan.
ESA Director-General, Josef Aschbacher described the funding as unprecedented.
Speaking at the agency’s ministerial council meeting in Bremen, Germany, he noted that the budget increase reflects the rapid growth of the space sector and its increasing relevance to economic development, security, and defence.
This year marks ESA’s 50th anniversary. The agency coordinates civil space projects across Europe and collaborates with the European Union on various initiatives.
The European space industry has faced challenges in recent years, including competition from private companies such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX and the temporary loss of independent launch capability after Russia withdrew its rockets following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Despite challenges, ESA continues to collaborate internationally. NASA has confirmed participation in Europe’s Rosalind Franklin Martian rover mission, scheduled to launch in 2028 to study the Martian surface for signs of life.
The record budget positions Europe to expand its presence in space exploration, strengthen security-related capabilities, and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global space sector.
