The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced the completion of the first stage of the European Launcher Challenge competition. Five companies remain in the running.
What is the European Launcher Challenge?
The European Launcher Challenge is part of ESA’s initiative to develop the European launch market and increase its competitiveness. It is a two-stage competitive tender. Winners can obtain ESA contracts in two separate categories:
Category A: Launch services for ESA between 2026 and 2030.
Category B: Demonstration of upgraded launch capabilities, including at least one demonstration flight.
ESA has allocated a maximum amount of €169 million per participant, covering all activities within categories A and B.
Pre-selected participants
On July 7, ESA announced the completion of the first stage of the competition. As part of this process, experts evaluated applicants in terms of their technical competence, business maturity and sustainability, development plans, and compliance with procurement rules. As a result, the following five companies progressed to the next stage:
- Isar Aerospace
- Maiaspace
- Orbital Express Launch
- PLD Space
- Rocket Factory Augsburg
ESA will begin a dialogue phase with pre-selected participants and negotiations with interested states to agree on a proposal for the European Launcher Challenge program and legal documentation regarding funding. The second stage of the tender will begin after the meeting of ESA member state ministers scheduled for November and will be limited to the five participants mentioned above. After the winners are selected, contracts will be signed with them.
We previously reported on ESA’s plans to use the private Orbital Reef space station.
According to ESA
