/sci/ - Science & Math

https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/06/china-and-europe-both-seek-to-emulate-nasas-success-with-commercial-cargo/

> On May 11, the European Space Agency announced a "Commercial Cargo Transportation Initiative" that would see one or more providers develop the capability to deliver 2 metric tons to the International Space Station by 2028 and be capable of safely returning 1 ton to Earth. Each proposing company must procure its own rocket for a demonstration mission.

>Less than a week later, on May 16, the China Manned Space Engineering Office announced a "Low-cost Cargo Transportation System" plan to hire private companies to deliver cargo to its Tiangong space station. Eligible providers must be capable of delivering at least 1.8 tons to low-Earth orbit. The Chinese spacecraft do not need to return cargo but should be able to dispose of 2 metric tons. The Chinese space agency said it would pay no more than $17.2 million per ton of cargo delivered.

> Foremost among those concerns is that both the European Space Agency and China's space agency seem to be skipping the "COTS" phase of the program, during which NASA shared its expertise and provided a substantial amount of money.

> But there is a serious downside, as well. While there may be more funding in the second round, the European Space Agency is counting on private companies to raise money, develop test articles, and procure a launch independently for a 2028 demonstration mission now. This will easily cost hundreds of millions of dollars—all for a chance to compete for future cargo supply contracts.