Europe may accelerate space launches to meet satellite demand

PARIS, Sept 2 : The European Space Agency is considering an increase in the planned launch schedules of Ariane 6 and Vega-C rockets in the coming years to overcome a potential bottleneck in satellite launches, the head of the 23-nation body said on Wednesday.Director General Josef Aschbacher told reporters that a decision would be needed soon if estimates of a strong surge in demand peaking in 2030 were to materialise. Operator Arianespace's most recent projection is for 9 or 10 launches of Ariane 6 rockets a year from 2027. Based on Europe's own scientific and other missions, as well as possible further interest from Amazon and other commercial activity, there is more demand than planned capacity, Aschbacher said at an event organised by the AJPAE aerospace media association. Amazon has a