Europe’s space future at risk as NASA faces deep funding cuts

The head of the European Space Agency (ESA) has warned that Europe must reduce its reliance on NASA to preserve its role as a leading space power, amid growing concerns over proposed deep cuts to US space funding.

Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director-General, said the potential 25% cut to NASA’s budget—currently being considered by the White House—should serve as a “wake-up call” for European policymakers. Around half of ESA’s human and robotic exploration budget, totalling €600 million this year, is tied to NASA’s spending, putting key programs at risk, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“In some domains, we have been too exposed in terms of dependence . . .[on] Nasa,” Aschbacher said. While he emphasised that NASA would remain an essential partner, “the partnership model that we had in the past may not be working for the future.”

Although 95% of ESA’s overall €7.7 billion annual budget is unaffected by US decisions, the agency is facing tough questions about the future of its exploration projects—many of which are closely intertwined with NASA missions. The proposed US cuts would reduce science spending by nearly 50% and potentially eliminate programs vital to ESA’s ambitions, including the Lunar Gateway and the Artemis Moon program.

US involvement in the Rosalind Franklin Mars rover, scheduled for launch in 2028, is also under threat. “We do need those technologies, regardless of whether Nasa’s contribution is coming or not because [they] are needed for any exploration mission in future, whether on the Moon, Mars or somewhere else,” Aschbacher said.

ESA member states will meet in November to reassess their funding model and consider ways to boost autonomy. The agency is expected to request a larger exploration budget and is also seeking to strengthen ties with emerging space powers such as India.

Meanwhile, ESA is making strides in increasing private investment. Agreements with 72 investment firms have been signed, and last year, European space start-ups attracted €1.5 billion—more than double 2021 levels and a 56% increase over 2023.

By Vafa Guliyeva