ESA's Fair Contribution Model: A New Approach to European Launchers
2025-03-26
ESA's governance, hampered by a 'geo-return' policy linking member state investment to national benefits, has resulted in slow project approvals and cost overruns. The Ariane rocket program, heavily funded by France, exemplifies this. However, the rise of commercial spaceflight and smaller launchers challenges this model. ESA proposes a 'fair contribution' funding model, to be presented at the November ministerial conference. This model shifts funding responsibility to member states most benefiting from the successful launcher programs, aiming for greater efficiency and cost control in European space exploration.