Sébastien Lecornu, France’s Minister of the Armed Forces, addressed the Defense Commission on April 9, stating that the “space issue” was his primary concern. He underscored the significance of attaining sovereignty in space by means of rapid capability development and technological advancements. Lecornu emphasized that the effective launch of Ariane 6 and the orbiting of the CSO-3 observation satellite are significant milestones; however, these endeavors are insufficient. He cautioned that the rapid evolution of technological advancements in space could quickly render certain capabilities obsolete. He contended that genuine sovereignty necessitates independence from external partnerships and the ability to act promptly.
In the face of the rising global militarization, France has been actively pursuing strategic autonomy in space. The Ariane 6 rocket is essential to the achievement of these objectives, as it provides superior performance and flexibility in comparison to its antecedent, the Ariane 5. It is projected to transport the CSO-3 satellite, which is a member of France’s military imaging satellite triad. The mission of the satellite is to enhance surveillance capabilities by utilizing sophisticated 3D imagery. This initiative emphasizes France’s aspiration to establish an independent satellite infrastructure and decrease its dependence on U.S. intelligence. Furthermore, Lecornu has promoted the expedited deployment of the IRIS² sovereign satellite constellation within the European Union, emphasizing its vital role in the strategic independence of Europe.
France’s military space strategy encompasses substantial investments, such as an additional €700 million by 2025, which will complement the €3.6 billion allocated in the 2019–2025 Military Program Law. These funds are intended to bolster the surveillance and self-defense capabilities of space, as well as to provide support for initiatives such as Space Command in Toulouse. The strategy also promotes collaboration among European nations to guarantee unified efforts in securing access to space and incorporates legal frameworks for military space operations.
Éric Trappier, the CEO of Dassault Aviation, has been a vocal proponent of the development of a spaceplane, highlighting its strategic significance in the regulation of space access. During a conference for the association of Centrale alumni in November 2018, he stated,
Three years later, Trappier reiterated this stance in an article published in Les Échos. He elucidated that the efficacy of combat aircraft is contingent upon their capacity to detect and fire first, while simultaneously preserving connectivity and discretion. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that future developments would require a “space ambition,” and, “That implies that we will need to consider a spaceplane at some point.”
In recent years, the concept of “very high altitude” operations (between 20 and 100 km) has become increasingly prevalent, and Trappier is of the opinion that spaceplanes could be instrumental in these missions. Dassault Aviation had previously developed the VEHRA (Reusable Hypersonic Air-Launched Vehicle) concept, which was designed to offer suborbital capabilities for satellite deployment and other applications. The VEHRA initiative was unable to advance as a result of insufficient funding, despite its potential. During a recent hearing at the National Assembly, Trappier expressed his disappointment with the lack of enthusiasm in France for such initiatives: “There’s no spaceplane today. I have the idea. I have the will. But I get the feeling no one is interested. If I were being provocative — which I absolutely am not —I’d say the only ones interested are the Americans. But with the French, it’s difficult.”
Trappier recognized the importance of revisiting the concept of spaceplanes in light of the rapid technological advancements, as well as other significant issues, such as Ariane. He emphasized their potential for the deployment of satellite constellations or, if necessary, their destruction. He also expressed apprehensions regarding global competition, stating that “the Chinese are far ahead,” which has prompted accelerated efforts by the United States. “And therefore, it’s essential that we get back into this area.”
General Philippe Adam, Commander of Space (CdE), has also expressed interest in spaceplanes due to their economic and operational benefits. He described the potential of reusable payload delivery systems in 2023, stating, ““We retrieve what reenters, repaint it, refuel it, and send it back.” He underscored that modern technologies enable more automated designs in comparison to earlier initiatives, such as NASA’s Space Shuttle or the Hermès spaceplane. Adam characterized spaceplanes as facilitating adaptable capabilities, as well as enhanced efficiency and reduced launch costs.
Dassault Aviation’s VEHRA project continues to serve as an exceptionally noteworthy illustration of France’s aspirations in this field. VEHRA was initially imagined as a suborbital-capable air-launched hypersonic vehicle. However, it was later developed into a piloted version, the VSH, that could accommodate six passengers. The design was intended to offer cost-effective access to the border of space while ensuring safety and reliability through the use of reusable systems, utilizing conventional aeronautical technologies. Due to inadequate funding and competing priorities within France’s aerospace sector, VEHRA has yet to establish itself, despite its potential.
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