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# Aschbacher tells AFP Europe must build a reusable rocket fast to rival SpaceX
- URL: https://sovereigntymonitor.eu/news/2025-10-10-aschbacher-afp-reusable-rocket-catchup/
- Published: 2025-10-10T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-13T12:02:54.000Z
- Description: Josef Aschbacher told AFP Europe must build a reusable rocket relatively fast to catch SpaceX. Five European companies are competing for ESA's reusable launcher demonstrator before a shortlist narrows the field.
- Author: Reidar Balstad
- Tags: Defence and space, #news, #verified, #opinion, #editor-read

Verified Opinion Editor-read [France24 (AFP wire), 10 October 2025](https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20251010-europe-needs-reusable-rockets-to-catch-musk-s-spacex-esa-chief?ref=sovereigntymonitor.eu)

**What it does not test.** It does not commit ESA to new funding or name which company reaches the final shortlist.

**How this item counts.** This item is dated before the index starts on 1 January 2026, so it does not count in the [European Sovereignty Index](https://sovereigntymonitor.eu/sovereignty-index/).

**How this item was made.** Drafted by an AI system (Claude (Anthropic)) from the source cited above; read and approved by the editor on 2026-10-13\. [How the record is made](https://sovereigntymonitor.eu/method/#how-the-record-is-made)