EU launches €10bn space programme to rival Musk’s Starlink
GuardianDEC 2024
EU Readies €10.6B Space Plan to Rival Musk's Starlink
Above: The launch of the rocket VEGA C-flight VV25 from Kourou, in French Guiana, on Dec. 5, 2024. Image copyright: RONAN LIETAR/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Europe's decision to launch Iris2 is a strategic push for autonomy, to reduce dependency on Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Musk's dominance raises fears of over-reliance on one individual’s interests. Iris2 represents Europe's commitment to reclaiming sovereignty in space technology — ensuring critical infrastructure remains under European control. The move will also ignite innovation, creating a competitive counterbalance to SpaceX’s formidable influence.
Narrative B
Europe's Iris2 project is a costly and delayed response to Musk's Starlink and a clunky attempt at sovereignty masked as innovation. An agile SpaceX dominates with speed and affordability, while Iris2 struggles under bureaucracy and industrial favoritism. Instead of fostering bold innovation, Europe risks falling further behind — clinging to protectionism while Musk reshapes the space industry.