Announced progress with the ESA “Vega” Small Launch Vehicle is a very encouraging development. The big question, of course, is Launch Costs $$$. After learning that Ariane' s new “Small Payload” service would have a cost higher than a Falcon 1, for even a few kg satellite, I gave up hope for a meaningful offering from Europe.
(I still have higher hopes for India. Their multi satellite launch this spring shows they have the capability. With a commitment to a few affordable (possible subsidized) launches a year, India could capture the lead in small space systems development – drawing entrepreneurs from other countries – and add a strong entrepreneurial position in advanced spaceflight to their accomplishments in World Class Software!)
The future in innovative spaceflight is up for grabs. The US seems prepared to see our (hypothetical) lead in this technology go the way of so many others (offshore). In a way in looks just like it did for baby “Microsoft” and similar early computer efforts: They understood that they needed to find a way to deliver products at affordable prices (deferring profits when necessary), and provide service and performance which made their offerings irresistible, and build a "monopoly" for later profits.
Micro-Space would certainly use such a launch service for both prototype systems testing and even the competition launch, if the costs made sense!
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