In a significant step forward for sustainable space exploration, the European Space Agency (ESA) has greenlit the development of a specialized recovery vessel designed to capture reusable rocket stages at sea. This innovative “drone ship” marks Europe’s ambitious push into reusable launch technologies, aiming to reduce costs and environmental impact in the space industry.
The project stems from a €40 million contract awarded to Italian aerospace company Avio, which is tasked with creating a reusable upper stage for rockets. This could enhance the existing Vega family of launchers or pave the way for entirely new systems. The recovery vessel itself is being designed by Ingegneria Dei Sistemi (IDS), an Italian firm specializing in aerospace and defense, in collaboration with naval consultancy Cetena and Norwegian shipbuilder Vard. The announcement came from IDS on October 15, 2025, highlighting Europe’s growing commitment to competing in the reusable space race.
At its core, the drone ship is engineered to retrieve descending rocket components, such as upper stages deployed under parachutes, using expansive nets. This approach draws inspiration from methods employed by SpaceX, which has successfully used similar vessels to recover payload fairings from its Falcon 9 missions. By landing hardware in the ocean and hauling it aboard, the system minimizes damage and allows for refurbishment and relaunch, aligning with the principles of a reusable launch system.
This initiative is more than just a ship – it’s a key element of the ground infrastructure supporting Europe’s broader reusable launch ecosystem. It builds on prior ESA projects exploring fully reusable rockets and complements additional funding from the Italian government, including €181.6 million for demonstrators of reusable first stages under the Space Transportation System program.
As space activities intensify globally, Europe’s drone ship represents a strategic move to foster independence in access to orbit. While still in the early design phase, with no official name or deployment timeline yet, this development underscores the continent’s dedication to innovation in space transportation. By embracing reusability, ESA and its partners are not only cutting expenses but also contributing to a more eco-friendly future for space travel.
Looking ahead, this project could transform how Europe approaches satellite deployments and scientific missions, potentially rivaling established players in the field. As details emerge, it will be exciting to watch how this drone ship evolves from concept to reality, propelling European space capabilities to new heights.
