{"id":12607,"date":"2023-02-22T10:50:07","date_gmt":"2023-02-22T10:50:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/TheNextWeb=1394292"},"modified":"2023-02-22T10:50:07","modified_gmt":"2023-02-22T10:50:07","slug":"low-earth-orbit-a-launchpad-for-europes-space-tech-startups","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.londonchiropracter.com\/?p=12607","title":{"rendered":"Low-Earth orbit: A launchpad for Europe\u2019s space tech startups"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span>Big business opportunities are brewing in the cosmos. Morgan Stanley predicts the <a href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/topic\/space\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">space<\/a> economy will grow from \u20ac355 billion in 2020 to over \u20ac1 trillion by 2030 \u2014 and competition for the rewards is fierce.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><\/span><span>The USA remains a celestial superpower, while China is emerging as a powerful challenger. <a href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/topic\/europe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Europe<\/a> has historically lagged behind the world leaders \u2014 but is now carving out a promising niche.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Across the continent, countries are converging around a single segment of the market: small satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO).<\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"post-image post-mediaBleed aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1394294 js-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-10.jpg\" alt=\"The maximum altitude in LEO is about one-third of Earth's radius\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-10.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-10-280x158.jpg 280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-10-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-10-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-10-796x448.jpg 796w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-10-1200x675.jpg 1200w\"><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/news\/low-earth-orbit-launchpad-for-europe-space-tech-startups-leo#\" data-url=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Feditorial.thenextweb.com%2Fneural%2F2023%2F02%2F22%2Flow-earth-orbit-launchpad-for-europe-space-tech-startups-leo%2F&amp;via=thenextweb&amp;related=thenextweb&amp;text=Check out this picture on: The maximum altitude in LEO is about one-third of Earth\u2019s radius. Credit: ESA\" data-title=\"Share The maximum altitude in LEO is about one-third of Earth\u2019s radius. Credit: ESA on Twitter\" data-width=\"685\" data-height=\"500\" class=\"post-image-share popitup\" title=\"Share The maximum altitude in LEO is about one-third of Earth\u2019s radius. Credit: ESA on Twitter\"><i class=\"icon icon--inline icon--twitter--dark\"><\/i><\/a>The maximum altitude in LEO is about one-third of Earth\u2019s radius. Credit: ESA<\/figcaption><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1394294\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-10.jpg\" alt=\"The maximum altitude in LEO is about one-third of Earth's radius\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-10.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-10-280x158.jpg 280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-10-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-10-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-10-796x448.jpg 796w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-10-1200x675.jpg 1200w\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><span>As the name suggests, low-Earth orbits are relatively close to the globe\u2019s surface: a maximum of 2,000km above the planet, and sometimes as low as 160km. Commercial planes, by comparison, rarely fly at altitudes much higher than 14km.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>In the 50 years since astronauts last stepped on the Moon, human space exploration has been confined to LEO. Crewless probes still fly deeper into our solar system, but most satellites \u2014 as well as the International Space Station \u2014 are now found in low-Earth orbit.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>The LEO appeal<\/h2>\n<p><span>Small satellites in LEO may lack the glamour of spaceships taking astronauts to the moon, but they offer compelling advantages.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The lower altitude alone has numerous attractions. The costs, risks, and time required for more distant missions have reduced their allure, while the appeal of low-Earth orbit has increased. Among its advantages are speed boosts from gravity\u2019s pull; better signal-to-noise ratios for radar and lidar; higher geospatial position accuracy; expanded launch vehicle options; more convenient journeys and \u2014 crucially \u2014 fewer resource needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"c-richText__pullQuote\" readability=\"29\">\n<div class=\"c-richText__pullQuoteGradient\" readability=\"32\">\n<p class=\"c-richText__pullQuoteQuote\">\u2018The pandemic highlighted the need for high-speed connectivity.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Investments have surged as the use cases have expanded. LEO can provide internet connectivity, Earth observation, satellite navigation, and weather forecasting \u2014 and it\u2019s becoming more accessible.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>As a result, the number of projects in low-Earth Orbit is increasing rapidly. Dan York, who led the Internet Society\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.internetsociety.org\/resources\/doc\/2022\/perspectives-on-leo-satellites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span>2022 LEO satellite report<\/span><\/a><span>, attributes this growth to three key factors: the ceaseless demand for connectivity, the plummeting costs of satellites, and an expanding funding pool.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cThe pandemic highlighted the need for high-speed connectivity that can be used for video communication, online learning, e-commerce, and more,\u201d York told TNW. \u201cLEO satellite systems have emerged as a powerful way to provide that high-speed, low-latency connection.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>In the race to commercialise LEO, a single target has been assigned pivotal significance: the first-ever orbital launch from Western Europe.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>The territorial advantage<\/h2>\n<p><span>Europe already has a functioning equatorial spaceport \u2014 in South America. The Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, has been in operation since 1968. Originally, it served as the spaceport of France, but it\u2019s now shared with the European Space Agency (ESA), which covers two-thirds of its budget.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Despite being 6,000km from mainland Europe, the site has a propitious location. Its position near the equator reduces the energy required for geostationary orbits, which match the rotation of the Earth. Rockets launching east can harness this momentum, while the centre\u2019s proximity to open sea reduces risks to human habitations.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>In Western Europe, however, a satellite has still never been sent into orbit \u2014 but the milestone is getting closer.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"post-image post-mediaBleed aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1394295 js-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-4.jpg\" alt=\"Polar orbits can provide comprehensive views of Earth\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-4.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-4-280x158.jpg 280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-4-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-4-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-4-796x448.jpg 796w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-4-1200x675.jpg 1200w\"><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/news\/low-earth-orbit-launchpad-for-europe-space-tech-startups-leo#\" data-url=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Feditorial.thenextweb.com%2Fneural%2F2023%2F02%2F22%2Flow-earth-orbit-launchpad-for-europe-space-tech-startups-leo%2F&amp;via=thenextweb&amp;related=thenextweb&amp;text=Check out this picture on: Polar orbits can offer comprehensive views of Earth.\" data-title=\"Share Polar orbits can offer comprehensive views of Earth. on Twitter\" data-width=\"685\" data-height=\"500\" class=\"post-image-share popitup\" title=\"Share Polar orbits can offer comprehensive views of Earth. on Twitter\"><i class=\"icon icon--inline icon--twitter--dark\"><\/i><\/a>Polar orbits can offer comprehensive views of Earth.<\/figcaption><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1394295\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-4.jpg\" alt=\"Polar orbits can provide comprehensive views of Earth\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-4.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-4-280x158.jpg 280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-4-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-4-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-4-796x448.jpg 796w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-4-1200x675.jpg 1200w\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><span>The achievement would provide more mere than bragging rights. A homegrown spaceport would be a powerful launchpad for a budding LEO sector.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The location also has advantages. Western Europe can harness Earth\u2019s rotation to power polar orbits, a flight path that passes the planet from north to south. This trajectory gives satellites extensive views of the planet rotating below, which is particularly useful for observation, mapping, and surveillance.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Further benefits would arise from the proximity to Europe\u2019s production sites, talent, and connected industries.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"c-richText__pullQuote\" readability=\"29.5\">\n<div class=\"c-richText__pullQuoteGradient\" readability=\"33\">\n<p class=\"c-richText__pullQuoteQuote\">\u201cFor the first time, the EU will have its own telecommunications constellation.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The war in Ukraine has exposed another lure of LEO. As a result of Russia\u2019s full-scale invasion, Ukraine\u2019s terrestrial internet connection has been disrupted by damage, outages, and jamming. In response, Elon Musk\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/topic\/spacex\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span id=\"urn:enhancement-66987d74-28bc-4a6c-987f-979fbd8301a2\" class=\"textannotation disambiguated wl-organization\" itemid=\"https:\/\/data.thenextweb.com\/tnw\/entity\/spacex_2\">SpaceX<\/span><\/a> offered free access to the Starlink satellite internet system, which has kept the country connected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cThe success of SpaceX\u2019s Starlink service throughout Europe, and particularly in Ukraine, has shown the power of LEO satellite systems,\u201d said York.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The EU is now developing its own satellite constellation. Known as IRIS2, the network is designed&nbsp;to maintain internet access during crisis situations. The $6.2 billion project is scheduled to launch by 2027.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cFor the first time, the European Union will have its own telecommunications constellation, in particular in low orbits, the new frontier for telecommunication satellites,\u201d said MEP Christophe Grudler, rapporteur on the EU secure connectivity programme.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The bloc has grand plans to compete with Starlink \u2014 and that\u2019s just one of Europe\u2019s LEO ambitions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>All around the continent, countries are trying to reap the benefits. The first one to reach orbit will get an edge over the competition.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Contenders in the race<\/h2>\n<p><span>Only nine countries and one international organisation (the aforementioned ESA) currently have orbital launch capability, according to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/media.defense.gov\/2019\/Jan\/16\/2002080386\/-1\/-1\/1\/190115-FNV711-0002.PDF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span>the Pentagon<\/span><\/a><span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Booming demand is expected for their services. The number of operational satellites is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/sscspace.com\/inauguration-of-mainland-europes-first-satellite-launch-complex\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span>projected to grow<\/span><\/a><span> from 5,000 today to 100,000 by 2040 \u2014 and spaceports across Europe are sprouting up to launch them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Among them is a Spaceport Cornwall in the UK. In January, the site tried to send <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/news\/failure-of-historic-uk-virgin-orbit-satellite-rocket-launch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span>a satellite into orbit<\/span><\/a><span>, but the attempt ended in bitter disappointment. After the Virgin Orbit rocket was successfully released, an engine malfunction brought the mission to a premature close.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The failure was a painful setback for Britain\u2019s launch sector, but by no means a fatal one. Virgin Orbit is considering another go in Cornwall, while the SaxaVord spaceport in the Shetland Islands is set to attempt a launch before the end of the year. Further sites are under development in Sutherland, Argyll, Prestwick, Snowdonia, and the Outer Hebrides.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"post-image post-mediaBleed aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1394297 js-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-copy.jpg\" alt=\"Virgin Orbit\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-copy.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-copy-280x158.jpg 280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-copy-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-copy-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-copy-796x448.jpg 796w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-copy-1200x675.jpg 1200w\"><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/news\/low-earth-orbit-launchpad-for-europe-space-tech-startups-leo#\" data-url=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Feditorial.thenextweb.com%2Fneural%2F2023%2F02%2F22%2Flow-earth-orbit-launchpad-for-europe-space-tech-startups-leo%2F&amp;via=thenextweb&amp;related=thenextweb&amp;text=Check out this picture on: Virgin Orbit releases its rockets from a plane, in what\u2019s known as a horizontal launch. Credit: Virgin Orbit\" data-title=\"Share Virgin Orbit releases its rockets from a plane, in what\u2019s known as a horizontal launch. Credit: Virgin Orbit on Twitter\" data-width=\"685\" data-height=\"500\" class=\"post-image-share popitup\" title=\"Share Virgin Orbit releases its rockets from a plane, in what\u2019s known as a horizontal launch. Credit: Virgin Orbit on Twitter\"><i class=\"icon icon--inline icon--twitter--dark\"><\/i><\/a>Virgin Orbit releases its rockets from a plane, in what\u2019s known as a horizontal launch. Credit: Virgin Orbit<\/figcaption><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1394297\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-copy.jpg\" alt=\"Virgin Orbit\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-copy.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-copy-280x158.jpg 280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-copy-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-copy-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-copy-796x448.jpg 796w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-copy-1200x675.jpg 1200w\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><span>The UK does, however, face&nbsp;growing competition from spaceports in the EU. Most are located in isolated areas of Northern Europe, where populations are sparse and the sea is close.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Sweden\u2019s Spaceport Estrange, for instance, recently became Europe\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/news\/mainland-europe-gets-first-satellite-launch-facility\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span>first mainland satellite launch facility<\/span><\/a><span>. The inaugural take-off from the complex is expected in late 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cEurope has its foothold in space and will keep it,\u201d said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the centre\u2019s opening in January.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Another contender in the race is And\u00f8ya Space in Norway, which hopes to launch its first satellite rocket this year. Sites in Iceland, the Azores, Andalusia, the Canary Islands, and the North Sea are also in the running.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\" readability=\"12.024456521739\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">&#8220;This is exactly the infrastructure we need, not only to continue to innovate but also to explore the final frontier further.&#8221; -Ursula von der Leyen, President of the <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/EU_Commission?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">@EU_Commission<\/a> <\/p>\n<p>We are so excited about this new spaceport, which has now been inaugurated.<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/SpaceportEsrange?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">#SpaceportEsrange<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ASoofEtsZR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/ASoofEtsZR<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 SSC \u2013 Swedish Space Corporation (@SSCspace) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SSCspace\/status\/1613848799679586306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">January 13, 2023<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span>\u201cWe\u2019re seeing a proliferation of space bases in Europe,\u201d Marie-Anne Clair, head of the Guiana Space Centre, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2022-12-shetlands-azores-europe-space.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span>told AFP<\/span><\/a><span> in December. \u201cThe commercial aspect is real: there is also an abundance of micro-satellites which will require missions from micro-launchers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>An LEO island<\/h2>\n<p><span>A satellite launch provides a springboard for the host nation\u2019s space sector \u2014 even if it fails. The UK\u2019s attempt last month, for instance, added impetus to the local industry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Before malfunctioning, the rocket did reach space, while Spaceport Cornwall became the world\u2019s newest space launch operations centre. The build-up also boosted domestic satellite development and connected an array of talent, businesses, and public sector organisations.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Among them is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.open-cosmos.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span>Open Cosmos<\/span><\/a><span>, an Oxfordshire-based <a href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/topic\/startups\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">startup<\/a> that had a satellite onboard the Virgin Orbit rocket.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cWe delivered a satellite in record time,\u201d Open Cosmos CEO Rafel Jord\u00e1 Siquier told TNW. \u201cIt\u2019s sad not to have it in orbit, but we\u2019re ready to come back and rebuild the satellite at an even faster pace if needed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"post-image post-mediaBleed aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1394299 js-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-11.jpg\" alt=\"Rafel Jorda\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-11.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-11-280x158.jpg 280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-11-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-11-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-11-796x448.jpg 796w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-11-1200x675.jpg 1200w\"><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/news\/low-earth-orbit-launchpad-for-europe-space-tech-startups-leo#\" data-url=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Feditorial.thenextweb.com%2Fneural%2F2023%2F02%2F22%2Flow-earth-orbit-launchpad-for-europe-space-tech-startups-leo%2F&amp;via=thenextweb&amp;related=thenextweb&amp;text=Check out this picture on: Jord\u00e1 founded Open Cosmos in 2015, with the aims of producing satellite-based solutions for Earth\u2019s biggest problems.\" data-title=\"Share Jord\u00e1 founded Open Cosmos in 2015, with the aims of producing satellite-based solutions for Earth\u2019s biggest problems. on Twitter\" data-width=\"685\" data-height=\"500\" class=\"post-image-share popitup\" title=\"Share Jord\u00e1 founded Open Cosmos in 2015, with the aims of producing satellite-based solutions for Earth\u2019s biggest problems. on Twitter\"><i class=\"icon icon--inline icon--twitter--dark\"><\/i><\/a><span>Jord\u00e1 founded Open Cosmos in 2015, with the aims of producing satellite-based solutions for Earth\u2019s biggest problems.<\/span><\/figcaption><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1394299\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-11.jpg\" alt=\"Rafel Jorda\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-11.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-11-280x158.jpg 280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-11-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-11-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-11-796x448.jpg 796w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-11-1200x675.jpg 1200w\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><span>Despite the ill-fated launch, Jord\u00e1 believes that the UK is now a major player in LEO.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cThe UK, with its leadership and its growing commitment towards the space sector, now has a seat at the global table in this industry. And it\u2019s very important that we keep our team there and keep developing our capabilities.\u201d&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Those capabilities now encompass downstream applications, data and information services, and the upstream satellite and launch capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>According to Jord\u00e1, the UK\u2019s small satellite technology is particularly impressive. Alongside startups such as Open Cosmos, the country is home to OneWeb, one of the world\u2019s leading satellite internet players. In January, the company announced that it now had 542 satellites in orbit \u2013 more than 80% of the fleet for its first-generation constellation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"c-richText__pullQuote\" readability=\"29\">\n<div class=\"c-richText__pullQuoteGradient\" readability=\"32\">\n<p class=\"c-richText__pullQuoteQuote\">\u201cWe now have a truly pan-UK capability.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The landscape also encompasses Surrey Satellite Technologies\u2019 world-leading small satellite platforms, alongside first-rate \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.esa.int\/Enabling_Support\/Space_Engineering_Technology\/Technology_CubeSats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span>CubeSat<\/span><\/a><span>\u201d nanosatellites produced by Open Cosmos, Clyde Space, and Spire.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Another drawing card is a strong supply chain for space hardware and software. British luminaries in this area range from SMEs such as Teledyne, to aerospace giants like Airbus UK and BAE Systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Paul Febvre, CTO at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/sa.catapult.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span>Satellite Applications Catapult<\/span><\/a><span> and a professor at Bradford University\u2019s new space AI centre, said launch sites will complete the package.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cNow that we are establishing small-satellite launch facilities in both Cornwall and Scotland, with new ventures being developed in East Anglia, we have a truly pan-UK capability which creates the conditions for competition and success,\u201d Febvre told TNW.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"post-image post-mediaBleed aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1394300 js-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b.jpeg\" alt=\"Pocket cube Bradford\" width=\"1640\" height=\"1230\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1640px) 100vw, 1640px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b.jpeg 1640w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-280x210.jpeg 280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-180x135.jpeg 180w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-360x270.jpeg 360w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-796x597.jpeg 796w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-1592x1194.jpeg 1592w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-368x276.jpeg 368w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-736x552.jpeg 736w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-1200x900.jpeg 1200w\"><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/news\/low-earth-orbit-launchpad-for-europe-space-tech-startups-leo#\" data-url=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Feditorial.thenextweb.com%2Fneural%2F2023%2F02%2F22%2Flow-earth-orbit-launchpad-for-europe-space-tech-startups-leo%2F&amp;via=thenextweb&amp;related=thenextweb&amp;text=Check out this picture on: The new Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI plans to launch its own \u2018pocket cube\u2019 into LEO in 2024.\" data-title=\"Share The new Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI plans to launch its own \u2018pocket cube\u2019 into LEO in 2024. on Twitter\" data-width=\"685\" data-height=\"500\" class=\"post-image-share popitup\" title=\"Share The new Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI plans to launch its own \u2018pocket cube\u2019 into LEO in 2024. on Twitter\"><i class=\"icon icon--inline icon--twitter--dark\"><\/i><\/a>The new Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI plans to launch its own \u2018pocket cube\u2019 into LEO in 2024.<\/figcaption><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1394300\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b.jpeg\" alt=\"Pocket cube Bradford\" width=\"1640\" height=\"1230\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b.jpeg 1640w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-280x210.jpeg 280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-180x135.jpeg 180w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-360x270.jpeg 360w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-796x597.jpeg 796w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-1592x1194.jpeg 1592w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-368x276.jpeg 368w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-736x552.jpeg 736w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/d3f0a787-967b-4477-95a0-9cdfc925965b-1200x900.jpeg 1200w\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><span>Until the British sites are operational, Open Cosmos will take off from other nations. But in the near future, Jord\u00e1 plans further launches from the UK and France.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cThe nice thing about the launch landscape at the moment is that it\u2019s very diverse,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s getting very competitive and that means we have multiple partners that we can work with for different types of orbits.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Space on the mainland<\/h2>\n<p><span>Another nation with eyes on LEO is France, which has the largest national space programme in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Europe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span>Europe<\/span><\/a><span>.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cFrance\u2019s space startup ecosystem is particularly strong in LEO satellites, and I think we will see a number of winners emerging from there,\u201d Maureen Haverty, VP at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/seraphim.vc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span>Seraphim<\/span><\/a><span>, a prolific investor in space tech startups, told TNW.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cFrance is also the most successful country at encouraging US companies to set up in Europe and is the European hub for a number of key players.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"c-richText__pullQuote\" readability=\"29\">\n<div class=\"c-richText__pullQuoteGradient\" readability=\"32\">\n<p class=\"c-richText__pullQuoteQuote\">\u201cWe will have our own SpaceX.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span>A further asset for France is Arianespace, Europe\u2019s leading satellite space launch company. The aerospace giant is currently developing a new reusable rocket, called Ma\u00efa, to challenge SpaceX. The launcher is due to be operational by 2026.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cFor the first time Europe\u2026 will have access to a reusable launcher,\u201d said French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire last year. \u201cIn other words, we will have our SpaceX, we will have our Falcon 9.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Critics have dismissed the prospect of Ma\u00efa competing with SpaceX, but the rocket would at least offer a European alternative. PLD Space in Spain plans to provide another.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The company aims to produce Spain\u2019s first rocket to reach orbit \u2014&nbsp; as well as Europe\u2019s first reusable launch vehicle.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Named Miura 1, the 12.5-meter tall vehicle has a payload capacity of 100kg \u2014&nbsp; just a fraction of the SpaceX Falcon 9\u2019s 25,000kg and the Rocket Lab Electron\u2019s 200\u2013300kg. But PLD Space is confident it can serve the booming demand for small payload launches to LEO.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cWe have demonstrated that PLD Space is the most promising company to improve European competitiveness in the microlaunchers race to space,\u201d Ezequiel S\u00e1nchez, the company\u2019s executive president, said after a successful test last year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cThis fact makes our project strategic not only for Spain but with a European perspective and a reference to show the profitability of reinforcing investment in new players.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The public investment in Arianespace provides an edge over rivals that rely on private funding \u2014 but the competition is growing.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\" readability=\"8.8301886792453\">\n<p lang=\"es\" dir=\"ltr\">\u2705Ensayo de misi\u00f3n de vuelo completado con \u00e9xito <br \/>Ahora s\u00ed, <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/MIURA1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">#MIURA1<\/a> est\u00e1 listo para volar\ud83d\ude80 <br \/>\u2014<br \/>\u2705Full Mission Test successfully completed. <br \/>Now, <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/MIURA1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">#MIURA1<\/a> is ready to fly \ud83d\ude80 <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/VAMOSMIURA1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">#VAMOSMIURA1<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/sOCLbppnQd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/sOCLbppnQd<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 PLD Space (@PLD_Space) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PLD_Space\/status\/1570312244872757250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">September 15, 2022<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span>Smaller startups are also fighting for a spot in low-Earth orbit. Haverty, who oversees Seraphim\u2019s investments in LEO satellite businesses, has seen success from those that tap into domestic expertise.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>As an example, she points to Seraphim portfolio company ICEYE, which applies Finland\u2019s strengths in hardware and avionics to world-leading synthetic aperture radar.&nbsp; <\/span><span>In Lombardy, meanwhile, D-Orbit has harnessed Italy\u2019s space heritage to establish the planet\u2019s only commercial in-space delivery orbital tug company. The firm recently launched its seventh and eighth missions on SpaceX\u2019s transporter mission.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"post-image post-mediaBleed aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1394303 js-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-12.jpg\" alt=\"Maureen Haverty\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-12.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-12-280x158.jpg 280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-12-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-12-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-12-796x448.jpg 796w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-12-1200x675.jpg 1200w\"><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/news\/low-earth-orbit-launchpad-for-europe-space-tech-startups-leo#\" data-url=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Feditorial.thenextweb.com%2Fneural%2F2023%2F02%2F22%2Flow-earth-orbit-launchpad-for-europe-space-tech-startups-leo%2F&amp;via=thenextweb&amp;related=thenextweb&amp;text=Check out this picture on: Prior to joining Seraphim, Haverty was COO at Apollo Fusion, a space startup that was acquired in 2021 for $145M by Astra. She then worked on investments for Astra.\" data-title=\"Share Prior to joining Seraphim, Haverty was COO at Apollo Fusion, a space startup that was acquired in 2021 for $145M by Astra. She then worked on investments for Astra. on Twitter\" data-width=\"685\" data-height=\"500\" class=\"post-image-share popitup\" title=\"Share Prior to joining Seraphim, Haverty was COO at Apollo Fusion, a space startup that was acquired in 2021 for $145M by Astra. She then worked on investments for Astra. on Twitter\"><i class=\"icon icon--inline icon--twitter--dark\"><\/i><\/a>Prior to joining Seraphim, Haverty was COO at Apollo Fusion, a space startup that was acquired in 2021 for $145M by Astra. She then worked on investments for Astra.<span><\/span><\/figcaption><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1394303\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-12.jpg\" alt=\"Maureen Haverty\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-12.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-12-280x158.jpg 280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-12-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-12-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-12-796x448.jpg 796w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-12-1200x675.jpg 1200w\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><span>\u201cOverall, I think Europe\u2019s route to success lies in focusing on where they can be world leaders rather than trying to develop a European alternative to an American solution,\u201d said Haverty.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Points of differentiation could also compensate for some shortcomings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Rejuvenating the old world<\/h2>\n<p><span>The barriers to LEO are lowering, but they remain daunting. Funding in Europe still can\u2019t compete with what\u2019s in the US; space projects are susceptible to delays that can push customers to bigger competitors; nascent markets are tricky to target with commercially viable products.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Startups providing satellite internet services face further obstacles. The established leaders of SpaceX and OneWeb already have LEO constellations in space, customer equipment available, and regulatory approvals in many countries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cThe single biggest challenge for these [European] projects is to get all the components launched and in orbit,\u201d said York, who led the Internet Society\u2019s recent LEO report. \u201cThe second biggest challenge is to obtain the regulatory approvals in every country in which they want to operate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The growing demand for sparse skills is also difficult to meet. Rewards on offer in the US are often far more lucrative, and the finance and gaming sectors suck up much of the top tech talent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cWe need to encourage and stimulate the understanding in our new generation of engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs that space is a fantastic place to develop a career and business opportunities, and universities are the knowledge engine for the future economy,\u201d said Febvre, CTO at Satellite Applications Catapult.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"post-image post-mediaBleed aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1394306 js-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-15.jpg\" alt=\"Paul Febvre\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-15.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-15-280x158.jpg 280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-15-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-15-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-15-796x448.jpg 796w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-15-1200x675.jpg 1200w\"><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/news\/low-earth-orbit-launchpad-for-europe-space-tech-startups-leo#\" data-url=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Feditorial.thenextweb.com%2Fneural%2F2023%2F02%2F22%2Flow-earth-orbit-launchpad-for-europe-space-tech-startups-leo%2F&amp;via=thenextweb&amp;related=thenextweb&amp;text=Check out this picture on: At Satellite Applications Catapult, Febvre focuses on growing the UK space industry. \" data-title=\"Share At Satellite Applications Catapult, Febvre focuses on growing the UK space industry. on Twitter\" data-width=\"685\" data-height=\"500\" class=\"post-image-share popitup\" title=\"Share At Satellite Applications Catapult, Febvre focuses on growing the UK space industry. on Twitter\"><i class=\"icon icon--inline icon--twitter--dark\"><\/i><\/a>At Satellite Applications Catapult, Febvre focuses on<span> growing the UK space industry.<\/span><span class=\"white-space-pre\"> <\/span><\/figcaption><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1394306\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-15.jpg\" alt=\"Paul Febvre\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-15.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-15-280x158.jpg 280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-15-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-15-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-15-796x448.jpg 796w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-15-1200x675.jpg 1200w\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><span>Further problems have emerged in Europe\u2019s commercial launch sector. As well as lacking spaceports, the continent is short on effective rockets. Arianespace\u2019s Vega launcher has been <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/science-environment-64051174\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span>marred by repeated failures<\/span><\/a><span>, the Araine-5 rocket will soon be retired, and its replacement may not be available for over a year.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The rocket shortage could delay the launch of satellites into LEO. Consequently, Europe has become reliant on commercial launch partners, particularly SpaceX.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"c-richText__pullQuote\" readability=\"29\">\n<div class=\"c-richText__pullQuoteGradient\" readability=\"32\">\n<p class=\"c-richText__pullQuoteQuote\">\u201cEurope does not have the \u2018SpaceX Mafia\u2019 effect.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Haverty adds two further weaknesses compared to the US: a limited product focus in satellite projects and a scarcity of second-generation spacetech founders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cEurope does not have the \u2018SpaceX Mafia\u2019 effect,\u201d she said. \u201cEuropean governments focus more on grants rather than on contracts, which makes it harder to grow startups into big businesses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The growing popularity of LEO has created another problem. There\u2019s only so much space in space \u2013 and it\u2019s starting to get crowded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The ESA estimates that there are 36,500 chunks of space debris larger than 10cm, and 130 million between 1mm and 1cm. As these numbers grow, so do the risks of crashes and light pollution.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>These threats can also scupper business plans. Regulators consider environmental concerns before deciding whether to allow a satellite launch, but their rules can place heavy burdens on LEO startups. Haverty hopes regulators exert greater pressure on the major operators than their smaller challengers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>\u201cIt\u2019s important to remember that the vast majority of debris and causes of potential collisions are caused by the deliberate destruction of satellites by China and Russia,\u201d she said. \u201cMost operators are doing their best to keep space clean.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>On the plus side, the problems of space debris and pollution are presenting business opportunities for space robotics, manufacturing, and in-space servicing. European startups have pitched a range of solutions, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.neuraspace.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span>AI monitoring of debris<\/span><\/a><span> to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clearspace.today\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span>towing satellites out of LEO<\/span><\/a><span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"post-image post-mediaBleed aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1394304 js-lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-13.jpg\" alt=\"ClearSpace\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-13.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-13-280x158.jpg 280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-13-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-13-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-13-796x448.jpg 796w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-13-1200x675.jpg 1200w\"><figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/news\/low-earth-orbit-launchpad-for-europe-space-tech-startups-leo#\" data-url=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Feditorial.thenextweb.com%2Fneural%2F2023%2F02%2F22%2Flow-earth-orbit-launchpad-for-europe-space-tech-startups-leo%2F&amp;via=thenextweb&amp;related=thenextweb&amp;text=Check out this picture on: The ESA and Swiss startup ClearSpace plan to complete the first removal of space debris from orbit in 2025. Credit: ESA\" data-title=\"Share The ESA and Swiss startup ClearSpace plan to complete the first removal of space debris from orbit in 2025. Credit: ESA on Twitter\" data-width=\"685\" data-height=\"500\" class=\"post-image-share popitup\" title=\"Share The ESA and Swiss startup ClearSpace plan to complete the first removal of space debris from orbit in 2025. Credit: ESA on Twitter\"><i class=\"icon icon--inline icon--twitter--dark\"><\/i><\/a>The ESA and Swiss startup ClearSpace plan to complete the first removal of space debris from orbit in 2025. Credit: ESA<\/figcaption><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1394304\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-13.jpg\" alt=\"ClearSpace\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-13.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-13-280x158.jpg 280w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-13-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-13-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-13-796x448.jpg 796w, https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-13-1200x675.jpg 1200w\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<p><span>Cleaning up is one of many emerging opportunities in LEO \u2014 and Europe is well-poised to grab a share<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Despite the challenges, the continent has an enviable array of major satellite operators, affordable engineering talent, a rich history of multinational efforts, and a superlative satellite supply chain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Insiders hope the spaceport race will further stimulate the sector. The first country across the line may not end up as the best, but the competition can be a boon for all contenders. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The capital flooding into LEO suggests the prospects are strong. Across the continent, investors are betting that a rising tide will lift all spaceships.<\/span><\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/news\/low-earth-orbit-launchpad-for-europe-space-tech-startups-leo\">Source<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Big business opportunities are brewing in the cosmos. Morgan Stanley predicts the space economy will grow from \u20ac355 billion in 2020 to over \u20ac1 trillion by 2030 \u2014 and competition for the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12608,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonchiropracter.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12607"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonchiropracter.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonchiropracter.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonchiropracter.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonchiropracter.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12607"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonchiropracter.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12607\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonchiropracter.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/12608"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonchiropracter.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12607"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonchiropracter.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12607"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonchiropracter.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12607"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}