En lançant sa fusée en orbite, la start-up bavaroise Isar Aerospace bouleverse l’écosystème spatial européen

Friedrich Merz's congratulatory message for Isar Aerospace on X was spot-on. The chancellor praised the launch of the Spectrum carrier rocket, stating it marked the beginning of a new era. However, not all reactions were as positive. Some users criticized the use of taxpayers' money, arguing that the funds should be spent on infrastructure projects instead. Others questioned why the CDU was funding what they considered to be a foolish project.

While it's true that the internet can be a breeding ground for angry citizens, and X is known for its negative comments, these criticisms pale in comparison to the misguided sentiment of 1950 when people doubted the importance of the automobile industry. The argument that "who needs cars?" is similarly unfounded in today's context.

It's important to note that Isar Aerospace's rockets were funded through private capital, dispelling the notion that they are a financial black hole. The need for rockets is evident as the space market is rapidly emerging. Isar Aerospace's speed and foresight are truly commendable, as they have outpaced even Elon Musk's SpaceX in their second orbital launch. While it's been 18 years since then, Europe and Germany did not have a sovereign presence in space as urgently as they do now.