Global Space Agencies Reaffirm Commitment to Artemis Amid U.S. Budget Uncertainty

Global Space Agencies Reaffirm Commitment to Artemis Amid U.S. Budget Uncertainty

At the GLEX 2025 conference in New Delhi, global space agencies expressed concern over proposed U.S. budget changes that could significantly impact NASA’s Artemis program, yet pledged continued support and flexibility as funding debates unfold.

The White House’s top-level budget proposal on May 2 includes plans to cancel the lunar Gateway project and terminate the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion capsule programs following Artemis 3. These changes raise questions for international partners deeply involved in Artemis missions, including Canada, Europe, Japan, and the UAE.

Germany, UAE, and ESA Maintain Their Commitments

Speaking at GLEX, Walther Pelzer, head of the German Space Agency, stressed the significance of Artemis for Europe, especially given Germany’s role in building the Orion service module. While expressing uncertainty about shifting to commercial systems like SpaceX’s Starship, he noted Germany’s intent to stay on course until final decisions are made.

Similarly, Salem Al Marri, Director General of the UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, emphasized agility and adaptability amid changing U.S. plans. The UAE contributes the airlock module for Gateway and remains committed to collaboration, even if program structures shift.

Canada and Europe Stay the Course

Officials from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) also affirmed their dedication. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher reiterated Europe’s reputation as a dependable partner, noting that ESA is ready to adjust if necessary.

Jill Smyth from CSA confirmed that Canada will continue development of Canadarm3, a critical robotic arm for Gateway, while monitoring U.S. budgetary developments.

Pelzer remained optimistic, recalling previous NASA budget proposals that threatened cancellations, only to be overturned by Congress. “Until the final decision is made, we move forward,” he said.

NASA’s Absence and the Push for New Alliances

Notably, NASA did not attend GLEX 2025, reportedly due to travel restrictions. However, the absence opened a broader discussion about rethinking international partnerships beyond traditional frameworks like the International Space Station.

Caroline Laurent of France’s CNES encouraged new alliances among countries present at GLEX, including India (ISRO), the UAE, Japan (JAXA), and Canada, suggesting more missions could be planned collaboratively.

ESA and ISRO Sign Agreement

On the sidelines of the conference, ESA and ISRO signed a Statement of Intent on May 7 to boost cooperation, including:

• Interoperability of docking systems
• Astronaut training
• Payload launches on ISRO’s POEM platform

This partnership could potentially pave the way for ESA involvement in India’s planned space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, set for launch by the mid-2030s.

“The complexity and cost of space missions often exceed the capabilities of one nation alone,” said Aschbacher. “Our collaboration with ISRO is a testament to the value of shared expertise and resources.”