European Space Agency (ЕКА) announced the launch of a research competition, aimed at creating the first European space station in low Earth orbit.
This decision is part of Europe's strategy to ensure its presence in space after 2031 year, when the International Space Station (ISS) are planned to be decommissioned.
Main details of the competition:
Goal: Develop the concept of a multifunctional modular station under the leadership of Europe, which will involve both state, and commercial partners.
Research directions: Analysis of technical implementation, development of business models and definition of key services, which the station will provide to European and international users.
Deadlines: Acceptance of applications for conducting technical and economic studies lasted until 4 March 2026 year (according to some sources, the announcement took place during this period).
Development scenarios: ESA considers "ambitious scenario", for which the agency will not simply rent space on private American stations, and will become the main customer and owner of European infrastructure. Currently, Europe relies entirely on its partners (mainly the USA) for the delivery of cargo and crews to the ISS. Creating your own station or its key elements will provide:
Sovereignty: Independent access to space research and industrial experiments in microgravity.
Business support: Stimulation of European private companies (yak-from The Exploration Company chi Thales Alenia Space), which are already working on cargo ships under the LCRS program.
Preparation for the future: Securing jobs for new European astronauts after the closure of the ISS.
Source: https://europeanspaceflight.com