In 2024, Europe’s space industry continues to thrive, with a diverse range of launch vehicle companies driving innovation and progress. The European launch landscape has undergone significant transformations in recent years, with established players evolving and new startups emerging to meet the growing demand for affordable and reliable access to space. This article reviews the current state of launch vehicle companies in Europe, including both operational entities and those in development.
Arianespace: The European Launch Powerhouse
Arianespace, headquartered in France, remains the leading European launch services provider, with a history spanning over four decades. The company operates a family of launchers, including the heavy-lift Ariane 5, the medium-lift Soyuz, and the light-lift Vega. To date, Arianespace has launched more than 850 satellites for a wide range of customers worldwide.
In 2023, Arianespace successfully conducted component tests of the next-generation Ariane 6 launcher, which aims to reduce costs and increase flexibility compared to its predecessor. Ariane 6 comes in two variants: the Ariane 62, capable of launching up to 5,000 kg to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), and the Ariane 64, with a payload capacity of up to 11,500 kg to GTO. The first launch of Ariane 6 happened in 2024.
Avio: The Italian Rocket Manufacturer
Avio, based in Italy, is the prime contractor for the Vega launch vehicle. Vega is a four-stage rocket designed to launch small to medium-sized satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) and Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO). Since its debut in 2012, Vega has completed 20 successful missions, demonstrating its reliability and versatility.
In 2022, Avio successfully launched the upgraded version of the launcher, Vega C. This enhanced variant offers increased payload capacity, improved performance, and greater flexibility. The successful flights of Vega C have further strengthened Avio’s position in the small satellite launch market, enabling the company to capture a significant share of the growing demand for dedicated small satellite launches.
PLD Space: Spain’s Rising Star
PLD Space, a Spanish startup founded in 2011, has made significant progress in the development of its reusable launch vehicles, the Miura family. The company’s primary goal is to provide affordable and reliable access to space for small satellites.
In 2023, PLD Space successfully conducted the first launch of Miura 1, a suborbital rocket designed to test key technologies and validate the company’s reusable rocket engine. The company is now focused on the development of Miura 5, an orbital launch vehicle with a payload capacity of up to 300 kg to LEO. PLD Space plans to conduct the maiden launch of Miura 5 in 2025.
Rocket Factory Augsburg: Germany’s NewSpace Contender
Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), a German startup founded in 2018, has made notable progress in the development of its small satellite launch vehicle, RFA One. The three-stage rocket is designed to deliver payloads of up to 1,500 kg to LEO and 1,200 kg to SSO. RFA is planning a first orbital launch in 2025.
Isar Aerospace: Germany’s Ambitious Startup
Isar Aerospace, another German startup founded in 2018, has been making steady progress in the development of its highly efficient and cost-effective launch vehicle, Spectrum. The two-stage rocket is designed to deliver payloads of up to 1,000 kg to LEO and 700 kg to SSO. The first launch of Spectrum is scheduled for 2024.
Orbex: The UK’s Vertical Launch Pioneer
Orbex, a British startup founded in 2015, has been making significant strides in the development of its small satellite launch vehicle, Prime. The two-stage rocket is designed to deliver payloads of up to 180 kg to LEO and 150 kg to SSO, with a focus on serving the growing demand for dedicated small satellite launches. The first flight of Prime is planned for 2025.
Skyrora: Scotland’s Space Ambitions
Skyrora, a Scottish company founded in 2017, has been developing a family of launch vehicles to serve the growing small satellite market. The company’s flagship rocket, Skyrora XL, is a three-stage vehicle designed to deliver payloads of up to 315 kg to LEO and 250 kg to SSO. The first flight of Skyrora XL is planned for 2025.
HyImpulse Technologies: Germany’s Hybrid Propulsion Innovator
HyImpulse Technologies, a German startup founded in 2018, has been developing a small satellite launch vehicle that utilizes a unique hybrid propulsion system. The company’s rocket, named SL1, is designed to deliver payloads of up to 500 kg to LEO and 400 kg to SSO. The first flight is planned for 2025.
Latitude: France’s Reusable Rocket Startup
Latitude, a French startup founded in 2019, has been developing a reusable small satellite launch vehicle called Zephyr. The two-stage rocket is designed to deliver payloads of up to 150 kg to LEO and 120 kg to SSO, with a focus on providing affordable and sustainable access to space.
In 2025, Latitude plans to conduct the maiden launch of Zephyr from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana. The company’s innovative approach, which features a novel aerospike engine and a reusable first stage, aims to significantly reduce launch costs and environmental impact. Latitude is now focused on completing the development of Zephyr and securing launch contracts to establish itself as a competitive player in the European launch market.
Maia Space: ArianeGroup’s Agile Launch Startup
Maia Space, a subsidiary of ArianeGroup, was founded in 2022 with the goal of developing a range of sustainable and reusable launch vehicles dedicated to the launch of small satellites. The company’s primary focus is on its flagship launcher, Maia, a two-stage rocket designed to deliver payloads of up to 500 kg to LEO in its reusable configuration and up to 1,500 kg in its expendable version.
Maia Space leverages the expertise and experience of its parent company, ArianeGroup, while adopting an agile and innovative approach to launcher development. The company plans to conduct the maiden launch of Maia in 2026, with the goal of providing competitive and sustainable access to space for the growing small satellite market. Maia Space is currently focused on the development and testing of key technologies, such as the Prometheus engine, which promises high performance and reusability at a lower cost compared to traditional rocket engines.
Sirius Space Services: France’s Sustainable Launch Solution
Sirius Space Services, a French startup founded in 2020, is developing a range of sustainable and reusable launchers dedicated to the launch of small satellites. The company’s primary goal is to provide affordable and reliable access to space while prioritizing environmental sustainability.
Sirius Space Services’ flagship launcher, Sirius 1, is a two-stage rocket designed to deliver payloads of up to 175 kg to LEO. The company aims to achieve 100% reusability in the long term, significantly reducing the environmental impact and cost of access to space. Sirius Space Services plans to conduct the maiden launch of Sirius 1 in 2026, with the goal of establishing itself as a competitive and sustainable launch provider in the European market.
Summary
As we survey the European launch vehicle landscape in 2024, it is evident that the industry is thriving, with a diverse range of companies driving innovation and progress. From the established giants like Arianespace and Avio to the ambitious startups like PLD Space, Isar Aerospace, and Orbex, Europe boasts a dynamic ecosystem of launch providers catering to the growing demand for affordable and reliable access to space.
The emergence of new players, such as Maia Space and Sirius Space Services, further underscores the industry’s commitment to sustainability and reusability, as companies seek to minimize the environmental impact of space exploration while providing competitive launch services.
As these companies continue to advance their technologies, conduct successful missions, and secure launch contracts, they are not only strengthening Europe’s position in the global space industry but also contributing to the development of a more sustainable and responsible approach to space utilization.
