The future of France-based Arianespace looks uncertain after it emerged that Germany’s DLR Aerospace Centre is considering switching its future launch commitments to Elon Musk's SpaceX. CEO Stephane Israel has acknowledged the company could fold if it loses the contract, yet Arianespace's ambition for five satellite launches in 2018 doesn't come close to SpaceX's stated goal of 18-20 annually. The German Aerospace Centre says it wants to support Arianespace, “or else it will become like Nokia”, but argues that costs must come down and launch frequency improved. A new report from a respected think tank suggests that the US government should consider allowing more foreign investment into space exploration.
The future of France-based Arianespace looks uncertain after it emerged that Germany’s DLR Aerospace Centre is considering switching its future launch commitments to Elon Musk's SpaceX. CEO Stephane Israel has acknowledged the company could fold if it loses the contract, yet Arianespace's ambition for five satellite launches in 2018 doesn't come close to SpaceX's stated goal of 18-20 annually. A new report from a respected think tank suggests that the US government should consider allowing more foreign investment into space exploration.