European space officials have cited the rule of geographical return as a reason for delays and cost overruns on ESA projects, including the Ariane 6, who made his debut in July 2024, a few years behind the schedule. In essence, the ESA policy forces contractors in countries that provide financing to each program, regardless of whether they offer the most reliable or cost -effective solution.
With the European Launcher Challenge, ESA is being raised by this policy by first selecting the launch contractors and then going to their home governments to guarantee financing for the program.
Two of the challengers selected by ESA come from Germany. Isar Aerospace, with headquarters in Munich, is developing a small two -stage orbital launch vehicle called Spectrum. Just northwest of Munich, Rocket Factory Augsburg develops a rocket called RFA One with similar possibilities such as Spectrum.
MaiaSpace is owned by Ariangroup, the parent company of Arianespace, located in France. Spanish company PLD Space develops a launch vehicle called the Miura 5 and in 2023 launched its first liquid rocket in the upper atmosphere during a suborbital test flight. Orbex, with head office in the United Kingdom, is working on a rocket called Prime. All five rockets of companies are currently making their efforts for the small satellite launch market.
Artist's Concept of MaiaSpace's Rocket takes off the former Soyuz Launch Pad in the Guyana Space Center in South America.
Credit: MaiaSpace
The European Launcher Challenge will include two components, the first of which will be for launch services for ESA missions that are planned for launch from 2026 to 2030. The second part will be a contract to demonstrate an upgrade of the launch service capacity, including at least one flight demonstration of the EfficiStem. The limit of 169 million euros per challenger will include all activities among both parts of the challenge.
“With this initiative, ESA takes decisive steps towards commercialization and expansion of launch services, which are essential for guaranteeing sovereignty in space,” wrote Isar Aerospace on X.
