European Space Agency (THIS) selected consortia led by Airbus Defense and Space and OHB for parallel studies on the feasibility of establishing a European low-Earth orbit station. The decision has been announced 29 September; six other partners are also involved in the research.
ESA is considering three scenarios for the presence of the ISS after its end of life, in particular, the creation of its own station with the possibility of participation of international and commercial partners. Research by Airbus and OHB is focused on this option. The agency requires maximum use of existing experience (Columbus module, European service module for Orion) and limits the cost of the initial product to an amount 1 billion euros for each three-year financing period.
The research is part of ESA's efforts to strengthen European sovereignty in manned spaceflight. Relevant proposals are being prepared for consideration at a ministerial meeting in Rome 15 December.
Source: https://europeanspaceflight.com