Interview with Samantha Cristoforetti: 'The right orbit? European founders with systemic ambitions'
Summary
Samantha Cristoforetti discusses Europe’s push to build an autonomous orbital transport and return capability through the ESA-led Leo cargo return service program. She frames the effort as a strategic necessity, not just an engineering challenge, because Europe still depends on other countries for key space transport functions. The interview also highlights how Artemis, SpaceX, and China are reshaping the space race and pushing Europe to strengthen its own industrial and technological base. Cristoforetti argues that the new generation of European space founders needs more capital and stronger institutional support to build systemic platforms rather than remain component suppliers. She also connects space infrastructure, AI, and security, stressing that space now underpins both economic activity and defense.