Europe boosts space budget to enhance independence and defense

Europe has secured a record 22.1 billion euro space budget for the next three years, aiming to boost its independence in space and bolster defense cooperation. The funding, a significant increase from previous budgets, will support programs like Earth observation and navigation, with both civilian and military applications. This comes as Europe seeks to counter dominance by US and Chinese satellite constellations. The agency also approved funding for a reusable rocket development and confirmed NASA's contribution to the Rosalind Franklin Mars rover mission, scheduled for a 2028 launch.