SpaceX Strikes Deal to Launch European Navigation Satellites Amid Delays in EU's Rocket Program

"Critical Galileo satellites set to launch on SpaceX's Falcon 9, marking first time EU satellites with classified equipment are launched by a US firm, amid ongoing technical setbacks with Europe's own Ariane 6 rocket."

SpaceX has reached an agreement to launch up to four of Europe's Galileo navigation satellites in 2024 using its Falcon 9 rocket. This marks the first time the European Union has partnered with a US firm for the launch of satellites containing classified equipment.
The Galileo satellites are part of a €10 billion navigational system, designed to lessen Europe’s reliance on American GPS and support global search and rescue operations. The current deal is still awaiting final approval from the European Commission and EU member states.
The agreement comes as Europe's own rocket program faces setbacks, with the Ariane 6 rocket, their next-generation domestic launch system, running behind schedule and not expected to commence space flights until mid-2024.
Before this deal, EU satellites have not been launched outside the EU territory for 15 years. EU officials are currently in talks with their US counterparts about the protection of the classified equipment on these satellites, required for European military communications.
The current partnership with SpaceX is seen as a contingency plan due to delays in Europe's own rocket programs, sanctions against Russia affecting the use of the Soyuz rockets, and the war in Ukraine. EU officials emphasize that they do not intend to rely on SpaceX for future Galileo launches beyond this deal.