The head of the European Space Agency says that ESA is ready for any changes in NASA’s direction that may come as a result of the incoming new administration in the United States.
ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher held an annual press briefing on Jan. 9, detailing the agency’s plans and budget for the coming years as well as plans to ramp up Europe’s independent access to space with new rockets.
In the immediate future, however, ESA may need to react to changes in policy and direction of its key space partner, NASA.
European Space Agency Director General Josef Aschbacher. (Image credit: ESA)
Aschbacher was asked during the briefing about the alliance of President-elect Donald Trump, SpaceX founder Elon Musk and Jared Isaacmannominated to become the new NASA administrator, and specifically about potential changes to the United States’ moon exploration strategy.
