The European Space Agency (ESA) is exploring the development of its own orbital station as the International Space Station is scheduled for decommissioning in 2030. Member states have backed an initiative to bolster European space exploration, focusing on independent capabilities for low Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars, including crew transport systems.
Europe is also expanding its launch capacity. The Isar Aerospace Spectrum rocket successfully reached orbit on September 5, joining the Ariane 6 and Vega C vehicles. ESA expects launch frequency to rise to meet anticipated demand by 2030, aiming to reduce reliance on external partners while maintaining international cooperation.
ESA has partnered with the California-based company Vast. The company plans to launch its Haven-1 station prototype early next year. European astronaut Arnaud Prost is scheduled to participate in the first crewed mission to Haven-1, marking his inaugural space flight as part of the agency's broader strategy to secure autonomous access to space.
