NASA is currently conducting a critical second countdown rehearsal for its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, a pivotal step toward the ‘s Artemis II mission. The outcome of this test will determine whether the mission, designed to carry four astronauts around the Moon, remains on schedule or faces a delay potentially pushing the launch to or later. A previous practice countdown earlier this month was cut short by a hydrogen leak in the rocket’s core stage fueling line, making this second attempt particularly crucial.
Beyond the immediate challenges of the Artemis II launch preparations, a broader trend is emerging in the space industry: a growing international investment in “sovereign launch” capabilities. While the United States and China currently dominate the space launch arena, several nations are now prioritizing independent access to space as a matter of national security. What we have is manifesting as substantial government funding for commercial startups within their borders, aiming to establish domestic launch industries.
According to a recent report, Australia, Canada, Germany, and Spain are among the countries actively working to overcome their current inability to independently launch satellites into orbit. These nations are committing significant financial resources to support the development of homegrown launch capabilities. However, the report notes that some countries express ambitions without backing them up with comparable financial commitments.
Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have committed the most government funding to these launcher development programs. The United Kingdom’s investment, however, has faced a setback with the recent failure of Orbex, a Scottish rocket company. This failure, reported last week, highlights the inherent risks in developing complex space technologies.
The push for sovereign launch capabilities isn’t simply about prestige. it’s about ensuring access to space for critical infrastructure, scientific research, and national security purposes. Relying solely on the launch services of other nations introduces potential vulnerabilities, particularly in times of geopolitical tension. Establishing a domestic launch industry mitigates these risks and fosters technological innovation within the country.
Australia, for example, recently provided 217 million Australian dollars ($148 million) in funding to Gilmour Space Technologies, a Queensland-based company. This investment, led by the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation and Hostplus, has elevated Gilmour Space Technologies to “unicorn” status – a privately held startup valued at over $1 billion. Gilmour’s CEO, Adam Gilmour, emphasized that this funding addresses a historical capital gap compared to American competitors.
Other nations, including Brazil, Argentina, and Taiwan, also have orbital launch programs, though these are considered less established and credible than those in Germany, Spain, the UK, Canada, and Australia. The success of these programs will depend on sustained investment, technological advancements, and a favorable regulatory environment.
The Artemis II mission represents a significant undertaking for NASA, and the current fueling test is a critical hurdle. The SLS rocket, while powerful, has proven to be complex and prone to technical challenges. The hydrogen leak experienced during the first practice countdown underscores the difficulties inherent in working with cryogenic fuels. Successfully completing the wet dress rehearsal – the full fueling and simulated launch sequence – is essential for building confidence in the system’s reliability.
The international trend toward sovereign launch capabilities reflects a broader shift in the global space landscape. As more nations recognize the strategic importance of space access, we can expect to see continued investment in domestic launch industries. However, the failure of companies like Orbex serves as a reminder that success in this field is far from guaranteed. The technical, financial, and regulatory hurdles are substantial, and only those nations willing to commit the necessary resources and navigate these challenges effectively will achieve true independence in space.
The coming weeks will be crucial for both NASA and the emerging sovereign launch initiatives. The outcome of the Artemis II fueling test will determine the near-term future of lunar exploration, while the continued investment and development efforts of nations like Australia and Germany will shape the long-term landscape of space access.
