Macron urges Europe to develop 'crewed spaceflight' programme

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday urged Europe to develop its own crewed spaceflight capability within the next decade. Macron made the call during an international space summit held in Paris this week.

European Space Agency chief Josef Aschbacher also backed the push, telling officials that Europe needs stronger resources to secure its independent future in space. Europe has in recent years sought greater independence in space but has never sent a manned mission, instead relying on the rockets and capsules of Russia and the United States.