There's a lot of big talk about sovereign launch—who is doing something about it?
No one will supplant U.S. and Chinese dominance in space launches anytime soon, but several longtime U.S. allies now view sovereign access to space as a national security imperative.
Taking advantage of private launch initiatives already underway within their own borders, several middle and regional powers have approved substantial government funding for commercial startups to help them reach the launch pad. Australia, Canada, Germany and Spain are among countries that currently lack the capacity to independently orbit their own satellites, but are now spending money to establish a domestic launch industry. Others talk a big game but haven’t committed the money to support their ambitions.
The moves are part of a broader trend among U.S. allies to increase defense spending amid strained relations with the Trump administration. Tariffs, trade wars and threats to invade a NATO ally’s territory have changed the tone of many foreign leaders. In Europe, there is even talk of setting up a nuclear deterrent force independent of the nuclear umbrella provided by the American army.
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