🚀 While NASA Saves, ESA Adopts Record Budget and Militarizes

At its Ministerial Council in Bremen, the European Space Agency adopted an unprecedented budget of 22.1 billion euros for the period 2026-2028. This funding, more than 5 billion higher than the previous one, aims to strengthen the continent's capabilities in key areas such as launchers and secure communications.

The portion dedicated to science sees a notable increase, with nearly 3.8 billion euros. This rise contrasts with the proposed cuts for NASA, showing a European priority for space research. Missions like LISA or EnVision could benefit from this support, and backup plans are being considered in case of an American withdrawal. Director General Josef Aschbacher indicated that this funding will allow for progress of 3.5% per year, on top of inflation.


Technological autonomy is becoming a priority, as illustrated by the ExoMars rover. Initially developed with Russia, then with NASA, this project has seen many twists and turns. ESA is now investing to master key stages on its own, to avoid future dependencies. The agency is also studying a mission to Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, to search for signs of life beneath its ice.

Human and robotic exploration receives about 3 billion euros. The European modules for Orion or the Lunar Gateway continue their development, with adaptations planned in response to partner changes. The reuse of technologies, such as the Earth Return Orbiter for Mars, shows a desire for flexibility.

Dual-use applications, such as secure communications and navigation, receive substantial funding. The European Resilience from Space program, endowed with 1.39 billion euros, marks a shift towards defensive uses, despite the agency's original peaceful mandate. This initiative responds to tensions with Russia and dependence on American assets.

With this budget, ESA hopes to catch up in launchers and mega-constellations, while preparing for the first European astronaut to be sent to the Moon. The road to European space sovereignty is still long, but the funds committed outline an ambitious trajectory for the coming years.

Dual-Use Technologies in Space

ESA is expanding its activities towards dual-use technologies, which serve both civilian and military needs. The European Resilience from Space program, endowed with 1.39 billion euros, illustrates this evolution. It includes communication and Earth observation satellites for defense applications, responding to growing geopolitical tensions.

This direction represents a notable change from the agency's founding convention, which limited it to peaceful purposes. Member states, aware of their dependence on American systems, want to strengthen their strategic autonomy. Investments specifically target low Earth orbit navigation constellations, designed as a backup for the Galileo system.

Dual-use technologies also help secure critical infrastructure, such as launchers and communication networks. By developing these capabilities, Europe seeks to reduce its vulnerability to international disruptions. This approach is part of a global trend where space is becoming an essential domain for national security.