Canadian, European space agencies reaffirm relations amid political, economic anxiety [Video]

Economic and geopolitical turmoil is forcing the Canadian and European space agencies to work together more closely, the organizations’ leaders said Friday as they signed a joint statement reaffirming their long-standing collaboration.

At the Canadian Space Agency‘s headquarters south of Montreal, Josef Aschbacher, director general of the European Space Agency, said economic uncertainty and global conflict are pushing Europe’s space sector to establish its autonomy — and reassert links with allies.

“If we are aiming to be more … independent, this does not mean that we want to isolate ourselves,” Aschbacher said. “We want to be strong and autonomous in order to have partnerships with other agencies.”

Canada is the European agency’s only non-European co-operating state, and as such Canadian companies are granted privileged access to Europe’s space market. Lisa Campbell, president of the Canadian Space Agency, said every dollar awarded to Canadian firms generates three dollars in return.

Leaders at both …