Question 1

Which companies won the first European Launcher Challenge contracts?

Accepted Answer

Isar Aerospace (€197.8 million), Rocket Factory Augsburg (€186.9 million) and PLD Space (€158.9 million) signed the first three contracts, while a fourth award with MaiaSpace is still being finalized.

Question 2

What deadline do the winners face?

Accepted Answer

Every launch service provider in the programme must complete an orbital launch before 2028 to demonstrate it can deliver, and funds are released only as milestones are met.

Question 3

Why is ESA funding these startups?

Accepted Answer

ESA and European governments want to expand launch capacity and secure independent access to space for civil, commercial and defense missions, reducing reliance on SpaceX, which dominates the global launch market.

Isar Aerospace

ESA signs three launcher contracts, each must reach orbit before 2028

One sharp brief.
Every day.

Isar Aerospace

ESA signs three launcher contracts, each must reach orbit before 2028

One sharp brief.Every day.

One sharp brief.
Every day.