---
title: "Report: Small Launchers: A European Perspective (AAE/DGLR 2021)"
id: 64661
type: "post"
slug: "report-small-launchers-a-european-perspective-aae-dglr-2021"
author: "NSE"
published: "2023-10-17T19:12:10+00:00"
modified: "2023-10-17T19:13:50+00:00"
canonical: "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/2023/10/17/report-small-launchers-a-european-perspective-aae-dglr-2021/"
markdown_url: "https://newspaceeconomy.ca/2023/10/17/report-small-launchers-a-european-perspective-aae-dglr-2021.md"
description: "This article provides a summary of the key points from the report."
language: "en-US"
category:
  - "Space Economy"
  - "Space Technology"
post_tag:
  - "Electric Propulsion"
  - "Europe"
  - "Satellites"
  - "Smallsats"
---

# Report: Small Launchers: A European Perspective (AAE/DGLR 2021)

![](https://i0.wp.com/newspaceeconomy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_6359-1.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1)

[Download document](https://academieairespace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/AAE_D52_WEB_UKopt.pdf)

## Synopsis

Here is a summary of the key points from the report on small launchers:

- There is a growing market for launching small satellites under 500 kg, with forecasts of around 4,000 per year globally. However, the total mass accessible to small launchers is estimated at only 5-10 tons per year.
- There are over 100 small launcher projects worldwide, with high diversity in architectures and performance from a few kg to 500 kg payload to LEO. However, only a very small number have actually reached orbit so far.
- There are also around 40 new launch site projects globally. Numerous initiatives in Europe reduce likelihood of sustainable success compared to well-funded foreign competitors.
- Recommendations include: focus on a European launcher with 800-1000 kg capacity, consolidate European institutional needs, facilitate info sharing among actors, accelerate technology developments like reusable stages.
- Vertical launch with two stages is most viable short-term. Need to reduce costs via simplified operations, increased production, and design/qualification process review.
- Flexibility for multiple payloads is key via kick stages and orbital transfer modules. Recommend development of “green” propellants and electric propulsion.
- Non-recurring development costs could be €150-800M depending on capacity. Recurring production costs depend on rates, infrastructure, regulations.
- Dedicated small launches offer availability benefits but $5M per launch is optimistic. Europe has limited private funding opportunities compared to US.

In summary, there is a modest launch market for small satellites globally. Numerous European initiatives are emerging but consolidation is recommended to successfully compete, along with technology development, cost reduction, and funding support.