Europe lags in launches: just 8 in 2025 while SpaceX carried out 170

An analysis published on 23 October 2026 found a stark imbalance in launch activity: European operators carried out only 8 orbital launches in 2025, while SpaceX alone executed 170. The gap illustrates a deepening dependence of Europe's space sector on a single U.S. company.

The shortfall has immediate commercial and strategic consequences. As satellite communications become increasingly central to economic activity, telecommunications and defence, Europe's limited launch cadence undermines the competitiveness of its industry and its ability to guarantee sovereign access to space services.

Brussels has grown more concerned after restrictions on the Starlink service in Ukraine and public warnings from Washington that U.S. authorities could retaliate if the European Union restricts access for American satellite operators to EU markets.

Causes and implications

Analysts point to high costs, insufficient manufacturing capacity and a shortage of large-scale private investment across the continent. Those structural weaknesses make it difficult for European companies to match the volume and pace of U.S. providers.

To reduce strategic dependence, the EU is developing its own satellite constellation, IRIS2, intended to strengthen technological autonomy and provide a Europe-controlled communications backbone. Progress on IRIS2 is part of a broader effort to diversify suppliers and services.

Experts and policymakers say reversing the trend will require better coordination between member states, larger public and private funding commitments, and initiatives to nurture competitive European launch and satellite companies capable of operating at scale.

Photo: press material from the event