Jules Verne / ATV / EU Manned Space Program
So EADS gave the world its first look at what a European manned spacecraft might look like, and it is an ATV (a ferry for the ISS) with 3 people inside. None too shocking. Actually, the whole thing is very evolutionary, and not at all surprising. Its not really that exciting either, because I have never really found European nationalism that compelling. Then again, a third global space power would likely be a good thing for everyone. And the Soyuz really should not be what everyone on the ISS is still relying on in 2020.
That said, this is the EU and EADS we are talking about... recent notable moments:
1) Galileo. Yeah. Thats going well. The European GPS system lost private sector support, is years behind on its development, and would charge end users for the data. And this is meant to open a new world of commercial possibilities? We already have GPS. And its free. And Russia and China are building systems. I only need to know to turn left in 100 yards from one satellite system, though I must admit mine does tell me in a British accent.
2) Airbus A380.
There will be a European manned spacecraft by 2020. But it will be owned by Richard Branson, not the EU.
That said, this is the EU and EADS we are talking about... recent notable moments:
1) Galileo. Yeah. Thats going well. The European GPS system lost private sector support, is years behind on its development, and would charge end users for the data. And this is meant to open a new world of commercial possibilities? We already have GPS. And its free. And Russia and China are building systems. I only need to know to turn left in 100 yards from one satellite system, though I must admit mine does tell me in a British accent.
2) Airbus A380.
There will be a European manned spacecraft by 2020. But it will be owned by Richard Branson, not the EU.
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