A robotic capsule to carry cargo to and from the International Space Station is to be developed under a competition run by the European Space Agency.
It’s anticipated the vehicle will make its maiden voyage in 2028.
The initiative marks a big shift in the way Esa has traditionally run its projects.
The competition’s winner will receive some funding and technical support from the agency, but it must operate the capsule on a commercial basis.
It will have to part-fund the development and then “sell” the re-supply “service” to Esa, who will become the “anchor customer”.
If the endeavour is successful, the company behind the new capsule may be asked to upgrade it so it can also carry Esa astronauts into orbit, again on the basis of a commercially contracted service.
“We will conceive [the capsule] in a way that it’s not a dead end, meaning that it’s open and can evolve in the future to a crew vehicle, if member states decide to do so,” said Esa director-general Josef Aschbacher.
“Eventually, it could also evolve [to go to] other destinations, possibly to the Moon,” he told reporters.
A tiger team was being set up inside the agency with an initial budget of €75m (£65m) to get the competition under way, the DG added.
The idea was enthusiastically backed by Esa member states at a summit in Seville, Spain, on Monday.
The competitive procurement model is one that has worked extremely well for the American space agency.
Nasa used to own and operate all its space vehicles. But when the famous space shuttles were retired, it opted instead to start seeding new providers, offering them fixed-price contracts and encouraging progress with milestone payments.
This is how entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX company emerged. His Californian firm has since become the dominant supplier to Nasa of space transportation services. The US agency purchases seats in SpaceX capsules to get its astronauts to and from the ISS, and contracts SpaceX rockets to send science missions far beyond Earth.
The Esa competition will try to replicate this model which, in the arena of transportation, has given Nasa access to faster, more innovative and lower-cost space technologies.
Anna Christmann, a Green politician leading aerospace policy in the German government and chair of the Seville summit, said Esa was going through a paradigm shift.
“Public money is needed to start these kinds of competitions, but then that attracts investors to put money in through private companies,” she commented.
“When we compare space budgets, Europe is not so different from others on the public side. The bigger difference is on the private side of investment, and that’s what we want to change.”
Esa member states also committed in Seville to use the approach for procuring rockets in the long term.
Today, Europe’s launchers are in crisis. The new heavy-lift Ariane-6 vehicle is years behind schedule and the medium-lift Vega-C rocket is out of action because of recent failures.
Esa member states have taken measures, at considerable cost, to try to put these projects back on track, but there is a recognition that the current malaise must not be repeated in the decades ahead.
To that end, European industry will also be challenged to provide next-generation rockets on the service model, limiting the liability of European taxpayers, who’ve been asked to dig deep to subsidise current hardware.
Ariane-6, for instance, will be receiving up to €340m (£295m) a year in support payments during the early phase of its exploitation.
“All 22 member states of Esa have agreed that we have to change how we procure the launchers of the future,” Dr Aschbacher said.
The Seville meeting also took decisions that will see satellites play a greater role in helping European nations achieve their net-zero goals. A good example is using space data to route planes more efficiently so they contribute fewer greenhouse gases.
In addition, Esa opened its Zero Debris Charter to signatories. This encourages everyone operating in space to leave behind no hardware that might collide with operational missions.
The UK, one of the big four nations in Esa, will be promoting a new regulatory framework in the New Year that aims to promote good behaviour and even establish a market for services that remove trash from orbit.
“We want to reward compliant operators,” said UK science minister George Freeman.
137 comments
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.
There is noticeably a bundle to learn about this. I assume you made certain good points in features also.
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how could we communicate?
Greetings! Very helpful advice on this article! It is the little changes that make the biggest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read something like this before. So nice to search out anyone with some unique thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this website is something that is wanted on the internet, somebody with a bit originality. helpful job for bringing something new to the internet!
certainly like your website however you have to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome to tell the truth however I’ll surely come again again.
You actually make it appear really easy with your presentation however I to find this topic to be really something that I think I might never understand. It kind of feels too complicated and extremely vast for me. I am taking a look forward to your subsequent post, I’ll try to get the cling of it!
Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!
Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice whilst you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account helped me a applicable deal. I had been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided vivid transparent concept
F*ckin’ remarkable issues here. I am very happy to look your post. Thank you so much and i am taking a look ahead to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?
I am glad to be a visitant of this complete weblog! , appreciate it for this rare info ! .
I have recently started a site, the info you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work.
We are a bunch of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your website offered us with helpful info to paintings on. You’ve performed a formidable task and our whole community shall be grateful to you.
Of course, what a fantastic blog and informative posts, I will bookmark your website.Have an awsome day!
Hello, i believe that i noticed you visited my site thus i came to “go back the favor”.I am trying to in finding issues to improve my website!I suppose its ok to make use of a few of your concepts!!
I do not even know how I ended up here, however I assumed this publish was once great. I do not know who you’re however certainly you’re going to a famous blogger in case you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with SEO?
I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some
targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good gains.
If you know of any please share. Kudos! I saw similar text here:
Warm blankets
You actually make it seem really easy together with your presentation but I find this matter to be really one thing which I feel I’d never understand. It seems too complex and very vast for me. I am having a look forward to your next post, I’ll attempt to get the grasp of it!
Internet is the best way to seek numerous options inside just a few seconds just by sitting at your property.
sugar defender For years, I’ve battled
unpredictable blood glucose swings that left me feeling drained and
tired. But since incorporating Sugar my energy levels are currently secure
and consistent, and I no longer hit a wall in the mid-days.
I value that it’s a mild, natural strategy that does not come with any kind of unpleasant negative effects.
It’s genuinely transformed my day-to-day live.
bookmarked!!, I love your web site!
This is a topic that is close to my heart… Take care! Where can I find the contact details for questions?
Very good article. I definitely love this site. Stick with it!
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this write-up and the rest of the site is also very good.
This website was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something that helped me. Appreciate it!
Is the fire still going or have they got it under control ??????? To many friends live in Chadwick someone let me know please !!!
That is a very good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere. Short but very precise info… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
U never get what u expect u only get what u inspect
I love to visit your web-blog, the themes are nice.:-*.:
I must thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I’m hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my very own website now 😉
In this awesome design of things you’ll secure a B+ for hard work. Exactly where you actually misplaced me ended up being on your specifics. You know, it is said, details make or break the argument.. And it couldn’t be more true at this point. Having said that, let me tell you precisely what did give good results. Your authoring is actually quite convincing and that is most likely why I am making the effort in order to opine. I do not make it a regular habit of doing that. Next, despite the fact that I can see the jumps in reasoning you come up with, I am not necessarily certain of just how you appear to unite your points which in turn make your conclusion. For the moment I will, no doubt subscribe to your issue but wish in the near future you connect your dots better.
Amazing article. I have been looking to fully understand this topic and be able to teach other folks. I think you have wonderful ideas here together with proven results. The question is: Is there a approach to really get all your tips here in the type of an ebook? Do you have a book written on this subject? The reason why I’m requesting is that I don’t get constant access to the internet. Therefore, a book could really help me to make consultation even when there is no access to the internet.
I’m sorry for that large evaluation, but I am truly loving the brand new Zune, and hope this, as well as the excellent reviews another men and women wrote, will help you decide if it is the appropriate selection for you.
I simply could not go away your web site before suggesting that I extremely loved the usual information an individual provide for your guests? Is gonna be back steadily to check out new posts
dance schools that also offers free yoga classes would be very very nice`
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and today when a comment is added I recieve four emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is by any means you’ll be able to get rid of me from that service? Thanks!
I like this post a lot. i’ll undoubtedly be back. Hope that i’ll be able to read a lot of insightful posts then. are sharing your data with all of my friends!
You’re so cool! I don’t believe I’ve truly read a single thing like that before. So wonderful to discover somebody with genuine thoughts on this topic. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This site is one thing that is required on the internet, someone with a bit of originality.
I’d should check with you here. Which isn’t some thing I do! I like reading a post which will make people believe. Also, thank you permitting me to comment!
Thank you for sharing with us, I think this website truly stands out : D.
I’d perpetually want to be update on new articles on this site, bookmarked
The when I just read a weblog, Hopefully that this doesnt disappoint me as much as this. Come on, man, It was my method to read, but I personally thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is usually a few whining about something that you could fix when you werent too busy seeking attention.
I in addition to my friends have already been analyzing the great tips and hints found on your website and immediately developed a terrible feeling I never expressed respect to the blog owner for those strategies. Most of the people became as a result happy to read them and already have surely been having fun with those things. Many thanks for actually being simply kind and also for deciding upon these kinds of useful topics millions of individuals are really wanting to be aware of. Our own sincere regret for not saying thanks to you sooner.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Cheers! Where are your contact details though?
the TV Stands that i bought online is made of lighweight aluminum, i like aluminum because it can be anodized-
I simply wished to appreciate you yet again. I do not know the things I could possibly have created without the entire secrets provided by you regarding my problem. It has been a very distressing difficulty in my circumstances, nevertheless understanding this skilled way you solved it made me to jump over delight. I am happy for your advice and in addition trust you comprehend what a great job you were undertaking training the rest thru your webpage. I am certain you haven’t met all of us.
I am glad for writing to let you know what a magnificent discovery my friend’s daughter gained reading your site. She even learned many things, most notably what it is like to have a very effective coaching character to make other folks easily know specific impossible subject areas. You undoubtedly surpassed people’s desires. Thanks for offering these good, trustworthy, explanatory and in addition cool tips on that topic to Ethel.
The following time I learn a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I imply, I know it was my option to read, but I truly thought youd have something attention-grabbing to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you possibly can fix should you werent too busy on the lookout for attention.
Generally I do not read post on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very compelled me to take a look at and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, very nice article.
Undeniably imagine that that you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be at the internet the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked whilst people consider concerns that they plainly don’t recognise about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and outlined out the whole thing with no need side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks!
i operate a small computer shop at home and most customers enjoy playing online games’
Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account aided me a appropriate deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea
you have a very excellent blog here! do you wish to have invite posts on my own weblog?
I appreciate your wordpress template, wherever did you get a hold of it through?
I am always thought about this, thankyou for putting up.
After checking out a handful of the blog posts on your web site, I honestly appreciate your technique of blogging. I added it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back in the near future. Take a look at my website too and let me know what you think.
You are so cool man, the post on your blogs are super great.~~.’”
You will find on our sites exclusive no deposit bonuses,no deposit casino , no deposit poker , no deposit bingo , no deposit forex and all the best deposit bonuses
You’re the best, It’s posts like this that keep me coming back and checking this site regularly, thanks for the info!
Hi my loved one! I want to say that this article is awesome, great written and include almost all important infos. I would like to see extra posts like this .
Hi there, have you ever previously asked yourself to create about Nintendo DSi?
healthy eating should be our top priority since there are many junk foods and foods with no nutritional value these days**
we have electrical fireplaces at home and we prefer it over conventional fireplaces,,
Pretty component of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing on your augment or even I achievement you get right of entry to persistently fast. [Reply]
Thanks for sharing this excellent post. Very interesting ideas! (as always, btw)
Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too great. I really like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is actually a terrific website.
Merely wanna comment that you have a very decent web site, I enjoy the pattern it really stands out.
very good distribute, we certainly really like this web site, keep on that
Respect to article author, some wonderful selective information.
This is quite new to me. Thanks for the information.
I couldn’t resist commenting. Perfectly written.
I blog frequently and I truly appreciate your content. Your article has really peaked my interest. I am going to take a note of your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week. I subscribed to your RSS feed too.
I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this blog. I am hoping to see the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my very own site now 😉
Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful post. Thanks for supplying this information.
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve visited this site before but after browsing through a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Regardless, I’m certainly delighted I stumbled upon it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back often!
I was very happy to discover this great site. I need to to thank you for ones time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every little bit of it and i also have you saved to fav to check out new stuff on your site.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been doing a little homework on this. And he actually ordered me dinner simply because I discovered it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending time to talk about this matter here on your web site.
Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve visited this site before but after going through many of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m certainly pleased I found it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back frequently.
This is a topic that is close to my heart… Take care! Exactly where can I find the contact details for questions?
This website really has all of the info I needed about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
You need to be a part of a contest for one of the highest quality sites online. I most certainly will recommend this blog!
It’s hard to come by well-informed people in this particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
I blog frequently and I genuinely thank you for your information. This article has really peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new details about once a week. I opted in for your Feed as well.
Saved as a favorite, I love your site!
Spot on with this write-up, I really believe this site needs much more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read through more, thanks for the advice.
This is a really good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Simple but very precise information… Thank you for sharing this one. A must read post!
This website was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something that helped me. Thank you!
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article plus the rest of the website is also really good.
Hi! I just want to give you a big thumbs up for your great information you have got here on this post. I’ll be coming back to your blog for more soon.
You have made some decent points there. I checked on the net for more info about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site.
À quoi bon ne pas citer de l’exposé quel porte l’au à compassion accepte pluralité depuis memebres? Le fait prééminent des derniers mois au sujet de l’échange des nouveautés;
Saved as a favorite, I really like your web site.
I could not refrain from commenting. Perfectly written.
Seen the whole article content. There are a little bit of really informative info here. many thanks. “Brilliance is typically the act of an individual, but incredible stupidity can usually be traced to an organization.” by Jon Bentley..
Fantastic read. I observed your internet site from a google search, and was glad i did. The data has helped me immensely.
This web site certainly has all the info I wanted concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
I’m extremely pleased to find this website. I wanted to thank you for ones time for this particularly wonderful read!! I definitely liked every part of it and i also have you saved as a favorite to see new stuff on your site.
on your|fashionable|participate in a contest for one of the best|persons are not enough|you’ve got|actually answered my problem|time limits
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Well written!
Greetings! Very useful advice within this post! It is the little changes that make the greatest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
You created some decent points there. I looked online with the problem and discovered most individuals should go together with with all your website.
Good website! I truly love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I might be notified when a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!
the idea beach towel should be colored white because it reflects heat away’
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article. Many thanks for providing these details.
This is a very good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate info… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read post.
There is definately a great deal to find out about this issue. I love all the points you’ve made.
This web site truly has all of the information I needed concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
I like reading through an article that will make people think. Also, thanks for permitting me to comment.
I could not resist commenting. Well written!
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day. It’s always helpful to read articles from other authors and use a little something from other websites.
May I simply say what a relief to discover somebody who genuinely understands what they’re talking about over the internet. You certainly realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people ought to look at this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised you are not more popular because you most certainly have the gift.
Hi there! This blog post couldn’t be written much better! Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept preaching about this. I am going to send this information to him. Fairly certain he will have a great read. Many thanks for sharing!
I want to to thank you for this wonderful read!! I certainly loved every bit of it. I have got you saved as a favorite to check out new stuff you post…
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank you so much, However I am experiencing troubles with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone else getting identical RSS problems? Anybody who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanks.
Everyone loves it whenever people get together and share thoughts. Great site, keep it up!
I used to be able to find good advice from your blog posts.
May I just say what a comfort to find someone that really knows what they are talking about online. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people must look at this and understand this side of the story. I can’t believe you aren’t more popular since you most certainly have the gift.
Next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not fail me as much as this one. After all, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought you’d have something helpful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something that you could fix if you weren’t too busy looking for attention.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this post and the rest of the site is very good.
Hi, I do believe this is a great website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will revisit yet again since I saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.
Good article! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing.
This site was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something which helped me. Kudos.
After looking at a handful of the blog articles on your web site, I really like your way of blogging. I book-marked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my web site too and let me know your opinion.
Right here is the perfect website for everyone who really wants to find out about this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a subject that has been discussed for decades. Wonderful stuff, just excellent.
Hi, I do think this is a great web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to come back yet again since I book-marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that too few folks are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy that I found this during my search for something relating to this.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to your blog before but after looking at a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Regardless, I’m certainly happy I discovered it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!
I blog quite often and I seriously appreciate your information. This article has really peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new details about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.
Hello, I do think your blog may be having internet browser compatibility issues. When I take a look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in I.E., it’s got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Aside from that, great blog.
There is definately a great deal to learn about this issue. I love all the points you’ve made.
Howdy! This article could not be written any better! Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this. I most certainly will send this post to him. Fairly certain he’s going to have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
You’ve made some good points there. I looked on the internet for more information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.
Spot on with this write-up, I seriously believe this amazing site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the advice!
Having read this I thought it was rather informative. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this short article together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it.
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon every day. It will always be useful to read through articles from other writers and practice something from their websites.
I want to to thank you for this fantastic read!! I absolutely loved every bit of it. I have you saved as a favorite to look at new stuff you post…
This is a great tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate information… Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read post!