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Defence and space

NASA to launch ESA's Rosalind Franklin Mars rover on SpaceX Falcon Heavy

NASA confirmed it will launch ESA's Rosalind Franklin Mars rover on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy from Florida no earlier than late 2028, the launch service NASA owes ESA because Europe has no equivalent heavy lift launcher of its own.

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Verified NASA Science press release, 16 April 2026

What it does not test. Does not establish the contract value NASA paid SpaceX or whether the 2028 date will hold.

How this item counts. Towards dependence: it changes who operates. Binding 2 of 3 (agreed or funded), scale 1 of 3 (small), Verified counts in full: weight -2 of 36 possible. NASA confirms SpaceX Falcon Heavy to launch ESA's rover; operate dependence, no EU heavy-lift launcher. European Sovereignty Index

Previously in Defence and space

Verified UK publishes GBP7.8 billion Space Strategy to 2030 Reported US firm AvL Technologies wins USD31 million satellite terminal deal for Poland Verified Sweden approves SEK 7 billion HIMARS buy, signs rocket artillery pact with Finland

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