Europe's GPS Satellites Entrusted to SpaceX's Launch Expertise
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Gizmodo
SpaceX has secured a deal with the European Space Agency to launch four Galileo satellites next year, adding to the 28 satellites already in orbit for Europe's global navigation system. The agreement, pending final approval from the European Union, will see the Falcon 9 rockets launch from the United States. The European Commission, while reluctant to rely on a US company for critical infrastructure, has been left with no other options due to the war in Russia and delays in Europe's Ariane rocket program. This marks the first time in 15 years that Galileo satellites will be launched outside of EU territory. Talks are underway to protect the classified equipment on the satellites, used for European military communications.