Europe calls on them to have rockets available to launch.
Complaining that SpaceX stole their lunch is a bit of an own goal when Ariane 6 was so delayed, Vega scrapped some tanks they needed, and Vega C was grounded for 2 years.
first phase began in the second half of 2024 and focused on identifying the technology maturation needs
also included an assessment of potential commercial applications
While the call did not provide much additional detail, it does note that Phase 2 will involve early long-lead technology maturation and demonstration activities.
I wonder how dual-use the technology is. A submarine-based nuclear strike capability could be useful to a country in Poland’s location, as could the hint of one, or the suggestion of being able to contribute to a joint European one.
I would suggest that this project, that is part ran by the Military Institute of Armament Technology, is not particularly dual use - in that the research benefit of suborbital single stage rockets is vanishingly slim. It is however immediately apparent how much military utility such a launch system has…
Edit: actually on reflection its research capability has become clear to me - it will be extremely useful for researchers who are trying to advance the technology in the fields of ICBM guidance, control, navigation, targeting etc modules.
It said it would achieve its objectives by cutting NASA’s workforce and IT services, NASA Center operations, facility maintenance, construction and environmental compliance activities. Other climate and environment-focused initiatives would also be eliminated.
Using this logic, the we’ll be landing on Mars by next week if they fire everybody, except for that one person who decided to go on an early break.
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