European Orbital Launchers as of 2026

Key Takeaways

• Ariane 6 is fully operational with the high-power 64 configuration debuting February 2026.
• Avio has assumed full commercial control of Vega-C following its successful return to flight.
• A diverse wave of microlaunchers from Germany, Spain, and France is initiating orbital flights.

Introduction

As of February 2026, the European space launch sector has entered a period of robust recovery and aggressive diversification. Following the “launcher crisis” of the early 2020s – characterized by the retirement of Ariane 5, delays to Ariane 6, and the grounding of Vega-C – the continent has restored its independent access to space. The landscape is no longer defined solely by a single institutional monopoly but by a hybrid ecosystem. Heavy and medium-lift capabilities have been restabilized under the aegis of the European Space Agency (ESA) and its prime contractors, while a vibrant commercial sector of privately funded “microlaunchers” is transitioning from development to operations.

This article provides a detailed review of every European orbital launch vehicle currently operational, in active development, or firmly planned. It examines the technical specifications, industrial organizations, and market roles of each vehicle, reflecting the status of the industry as of early 2026.

Heavy and Medium-Lift Vehicles

The backbone of European space access remains the Ariane and Vega families. These programs, historically managed under a complex framework involving ESA, CNES, and industrial primes, have evolved significantly. The most notable shift in 2026 is the bifurcation of operations: Arianespace concentrates on the heavy-lift market with Ariane 6, while Avio has taken direct control of the Vega program.

Ariane 6

The Ariane 6 is the heavy-lift workhorse of Europe, designed to replace the legendary Ariane 5 with a more flexible, lower-cost system. After its successful inaugural flight in mid-2024, the vehicle is now in its operational ramp-up phase. As of February 1, 2026, the program is preparing for a landmark mission: the debut of the four-booster “64” configuration.

Vehicle Architecture and Capabilities

Ariane 6 is a modular launch vehicle that exists in two primary configurations, distinguished by the number of solid rocket boosters (SRBs) attached to the core stage:

• Ariane 62 (A62): Equipped with two P120C boosters, this variant is optimized for institutional missions, such as deploying scientific spacecraft or navigation satellites like Galileo. It is capable of launching approximately 10,300 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or 4,500 kg to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).
• Ariane 64 (A64): The heavy-lift variant uses four P120C boosters. This configuration targets the commercial market, specifically heavy geostationary satellites and large mega-constellation deployments. It offers a payload capacity of approximately 21,600 kg to LEO and 11,500 kg to GTO.

The core stage is powered by the Vulcain 2.1 engine, a simplified and more efficient derivative of the Ariane 5’s Vulcain 2. It burns liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX). The upper stage utilizes the re-ignitable Vinci engine, a critical upgrade that allows Ariane 6 to perform complex orbital maneuvers, deploy constellations in multiple planes, and de-orbit itself to mitigate space debris.

Industrial Organization

The prime contractor for Ariane 6 is ArianeGroup, a joint venture between Airbus and Safran. ArianeGroup manages the industrial supply chain and integrates the launcher at its facilities in Les Mureaux, France, and Bremen, Germany. Launch operations at the Guiana Space Centre are managed by Arianespace.

Current Status (February 2026)

The Ariane 6 program has stabilized following its entry into service. The upcoming flight, VA267, scheduled for mid-February 2026, is particularly significant. It marks the first flight of the Ariane 64 variant and the first dedicated mission for the Amazon Kuiper constellation. This mission will demonstrate the vehicle’s ability to handle heavy commercial payloads, a market segment previously dominated by SpaceX. Later in 2026, Arianespace plans to introduce the upgraded P160C boosters, which will further enhance payload performance.

Vega-C

The Vega-C represents the next generation of the Vega light-lift family. Designed to lift approximately 2,200 kg to a 700 km polar orbit, it bridges the gap between microlaunchers and the heavy-lift Ariane 6.

Vehicle Architecture

Vega-C is a four-stage vehicle. The first three stages use solid propulsion, providing high thrust and reliability, while the fourth stage, the AVUM+ (Attitude and Vernier Upper Module), uses liquid propulsion for precise orbital injection.

• Stage 1 (P120C): The P120C serves a dual purpose as the first stage of Vega-C and the strap-on booster for Ariane 6, creating industrial economies of scale.
• Stage 2 (Zefiro 40): A new solid rocket motor developed specifically for Vega-C.
• Stage 3 (Zefiro 9): A proven motor inherited from the original Vega.
• Stage 4 (AVUM+): The liquid upper stage, capable of multiple reignitions.

Industrial Organization and 2026 Transition

The prime contractor for Vega-C is the Italian aerospace company Avio. A pivotal change in the European launch landscape occurred in late 2025 and early 2026: the separation of Vega operations from Arianespace. Following an agreement between ESA, the Italian government, and industrial partners, Avio has assumed exclusive responsibility for marketing and managing Vega-C missions. This shift allows Avio to operate as an independent launch provider, competing directly in the global market.

Current Status (February 2026)

Vega-C has returned to operational status following a grounding caused by a Zefiro 40 nozzle failure in late 2022. The return-to-flight mission, conducted successfully in late 2024, validated the redesigned nozzle insert. The manifest for 2026 includes institutional missions such as the SMILE satellite (a joint ESA-China mission) and various Earth observation payloads.

The Microlauncher Challengers

Beyond the institutional giants, Europe has witnessed an explosion of private launch startups. Encouraged by initiatives like ESA’s Boost! program and the German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) Microlauncher Competition, several companies are on the cusp of, or have just commenced, orbital operations.

Spectrum (Isar Aerospace)

Based in Munich, Isar Aerospace is widely considered one of the frontrunners in the European microlauncher race. Their vehicle, Spectrum, is designed to offer high-cadence access to space for small satellite constellations.

Vehicle Architecture

Spectrum is a two-stage rocket utilizing the company’s proprietary Aquila engines.

• Propulsion: The engines burn a light hydrocarbon mixture (propane-based) and liquid oxygen. This choice simplifies handling compared to kerosene and offers better performance.
• Payload: Spectrum is sized to lift up to 1,000 kg to LEO or 700 kg to a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). This places it at the upper end of the “microlauncher” class, offering significantly more capacity than competitors like Rocket Lab’s Electron.

Current Status (February 2026)

Isar Aerospace experienced a setback with a launch failure during its maiden flight attempt in 2025. However, the company rapidly identified the anomaly and returned to the pad. A second flight attempt was targeted for a window in January 2026 from Andøya Spaceport in Norway. As of early February 2026, the company is analyzing data from this campaign to transition into regular commercial service.

RFA One (Rocket Factory Augsburg)

Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), a subsidiary of the satellite manufacturer OHB, has pursued a unique “fast-follower” strategy, emphasizing cost-efficiency and the use of industrial-grade components from the automotive sector.

Vehicle Architecture

RFA One is a three-stage launcher designed for a payload of approximately 1,300 kg to LEO.

• Propulsion: It utilizes the Helix engine, which operates on an oxygen-rich staged combustion cycle – a complex technology typically reserved for larger vehicles like the Atlas V or Soyuz, offering high specific impulse (efficiency).
• Logistics: The vehicle is designed to fit in standard shipping containers, allowing for flexible deployment.

Current Status (February 2026)

RFA faced a significant delay in 2024 when a first stage was lost during a static fire test at SaxaVord Spaceport in the UK. The company has since rebuilt its hardware and is targeting a return to the pad. An orbital launch attempt is scheduled for 2026, utilizing either SaxaVord or the new commercial pads at the Guiana Space Centre.

Miura 5 (PLD Space)

Spain’s PLD Space has taken an incremental approach, successfully flying a suborbital demonstrator, Miura 1, in 2023 before scaling up to their orbital vehicle, Miura 5.

Vehicle Architecture

Miura 5 is a two-stage kerosene/LOX launcher with a planned payload of roughly 540 kg to SSO.

• Reusability: A key differentiator for PLD Space is their commitment to recovering the first stage via parachute splashdown in the ocean, a concept validated during the Miura 1 test flight.
• Engines: The vehicle is powered by the TEPREL-C engine family, developed in-house.

Current Status (February 2026)

PLD Space unveiled the first fully integrated qualification model of Miura 5 in late 2025. The company plans to ship the flight hardware to French Guiana for an inaugural orbital launch in the first quarter of 2026. This timeline positions them as a strong contender to be the first Southern European private company to reach orbit.

Maia (MaiaSpace)

MaiaSpace is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ArianeGroup, created to operate with the agility of a startup while leveraging the technological heritage of its parent company. Their vehicle, Maia, is Europe’s answer to the demand for a reusable medium-class launcher.

Vehicle Architecture

Maia is a methane-fueled launcher designed for reusability from day one.

• Propulsion: It utilizes the Prometheus engine, a reusable methalox (liquid methane/LOX) engine developed by ArianeGroup for ESA. This engine costs a fraction of the Vulcain 2.1 to manufacture.
• Capacity: Maia targets a payload of 1,500 kg to SSO in expendable mode or 500 kg in reusable mode.
• Colibri Kick Stage: An optional kick stage allows for precise orbital insertion of multiple satellites.

Current Status (February 2026)

MaiaSpace is preparing for its maiden flight in 2026. The company is refurbishing the former Soyuz launch pad (ELA-S) at the Guiana Space Centre to serve as its launch base. The use of the pre-existing Prometheus engine has allowed for an accelerated development timeline compared to competitors starting from scratch.

Zephyr (Latitude)

Based in Reims, France, Latitude (formerly Venture Orbital Systems) focuses on the “nano-launcher” segment, targeting the dedicated launch of very small satellites that would otherwise fly as secondary payloads.

Vehicle Architecture

Zephyr is a small, highly responsive rocket powered by the Navier engine, which uses 3D-printed components and kerosene/LOX propellant.

• Payload: Initially targeting 100 kg to LEO, with upgrades planned to reach 200 kg.
• Philosophy: The company prioritizes low cost and high production cadence over maximum performance.

Current Status (February 2026)

Latitude has secured significant funding from the French government (France 2030 plan) and investors. Following engine qualification in 2025, the company is on track for a 2026 maiden flight, likely from a launch site in Scotland or the specialized Diamant pad in French Guiana.

Orbex Prime and Skyrora XL

The United Kingdom hosts two primary launch companies, Orbex and Skyrora, though both have faced infrastructure and regulatory hurdles.

• Orbex Prime: This vehicle uses bio-propane fuel and features a 3D-printed engine. Orbex holds a lease for the Sutherland Spaceport in Scotland. However, construction delays led the company to pause spaceport work in late 2024. As of early 2026, the timeline for the maiden flight remains uncertain, likely slipping beyond the immediate launch window of its continental peers.
• Skyrora XL: A three-stage vehicle using kerosene/hydrogen peroxide (HTP). Skyrora has conducted successful static fires and suborbital tests. They are targeting an orbital launch in 2027, trailing slightly behind the leaders of the 2026 pack.

SL1 (HyImpulse)

German startup HyImpulse utilizes hybrid propulsion technology, which combines a solid fuel (paraffin) with a liquid oxidizer. This architecture offers safety benefits and lower costs. Their suborbital rocket, SR75, flew successfully in 2024. Their orbital vehicle, SL1, is designed to lift 600 kg to LEO. While development continues, the maiden flight is currently projected for 2027, making them a “fast follower” rather than an immediate 2026 debutant.

Summary of European Launchers (2026 Status)

Appendix: Top 10 Questions Answered in This Article

What is the current status of the Ariane 6 rocket?

As of February 2026, Ariane 6 is fully operational. It completed its maiden flight in 2024 and is currently preparing for the debut of its heavy-lift “64” configuration in February 2026, which will carry satellites for the Amazon Kuiper constellation.

Has the Vega-C rocket returned to flight?

Yes, Vega-C has successfully returned to flight. After a failure in December 2022 grounded the vehicle, a redesigned nozzle was validated, and the rocket resumed operations in late 2024 under the management of Avio.

Which European startup is closest to launching a commercial rocket?

Isar Aerospace is considered the leader among the startups, having already attempted a maiden launch of its Spectrum vehicle in 2025. They are followed closely by PLD Space and Rocket Factory Augsburg, both targeting orbital launches in 2026.

What is the difference between Ariane 62 and Ariane 64?

The primary difference is the number of solid rocket boosters: Ariane 62 has two boosters and is used for medium-sized institutional payloads, while Ariane 64 has four boosters, doubling the lift capacity for heavy commercial satellites.

Is Europe developing a reusable rocket?

Yes, several vehicles feature reusability. MaiaSpace is developing the Maia launcher, which uses the reusable Prometheus engine. PLD Space also plans to recover the first stage of its Miura 5 rocket via parachute.

What happened to the Orbex Prime launch from Scotland?

Orbex Prime has faced delays. While the company holds the lease for Sutherland Spaceport, construction was paused in late 2024 to review plans, making the timeline for its maiden flight uncertain compared to its continental competitors.

Who manages the Vega-C rocket now?

Operations for Vega-C have transitioned from Arianespace to Avio. As of 2026, Avio, the Italian prime contractor, is responsible for marketing and managing launch services for the Vega vehicle family.

What fuel does the Isar Aerospace Spectrum rocket use?

Spectrum uses a light hydrocarbon propellant (propane-based) and liquid oxygen. This fuel choice offers a balance of high performance and clean combustion compared to traditional kerosene.

Where will the Maia rocket launch from?

Maia will launch from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana. MaiaSpace is refurbishing the former Soyuz launch pad (ELA-S) to accommodate their new methalox vehicle.

What is the payload capacity of the Ariane 64?

The Ariane 64 can lift approximately 21,600 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and roughly 11,500 kg to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), making it Europe’s most powerful active launch vehicle.

Appendix: Top 10 Frequently Searched Questions Answered in This Article

When is the next Ariane 6 launch?

The next scheduled launch for Ariane 6 is Flight VA267, targeted for February 12, 2026. This mission will be the first flight of the heavy-lift Ariane 64 configuration.

How much can the Vega-C rocket carry?

Vega-C is designed to lift about 2,300 kg to a polar reference orbit of 700 km altitude. This represents a significant performance increase over the original Vega rocket.

Is Rocket Factory Augsburg operational?

Not yet fully operational. RFA One experienced a setback with a test failure in 2024 but is actively working toward a rescheduled orbital launch attempt in 2026.

What is the difference between Ariane 6 and Falcon 9?

Ariane 6 is a modular expendable launch vehicle optimized for diverse orbits and institutional independence, while Falcon 9 is a partially reusable vehicle optimized for high cadence and lower commercial pricing.

Does Europe have its own SpaceX competitor?

Europe has several companies aiming to compete in the commercial sector, such as Isar Aerospace and MaiaSpace. MaiaSpace, in particular, is developing reusable technology similar to SpaceX but scaled for the small-to-medium satellite market.

Where are European rockets launched from?

The primary spaceport is the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana (South America). New spaceports are also becoming operational in Europe, including Andøya Spaceport in Norway and SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland.

What is the Prometheus engine?

Prometheus is a low-cost, reusable liquid methane and oxygen engine developed by ArianeGroup for ESA. It is the propulsion system for the new Maia launcher and future reusable vehicles.

How does PLD Space recover its rockets?

PLD Space plans to recover the first stage of the Miura 5 rocket by using parachutes to slow its descent, followed by a splashdown in the ocean where it can be retrieved by a ship.

What is the role of Arianespace?

Arianespace operates the Ariane 6 launcher, marketing its services to global customers and managing launch operations. It previously managed Vega-C as well, but that role has transferred to Avio.

Why are there so many small launchers in Europe?

The rise of small launchers (microlaunchers) is driven by the booming market for small satellites and mega-constellations. European governments and ESA have supported this sector to foster competition and ensure sovereign access to space for smaller payloads.

One video that provides excellent visual context for the developments discussed, particularly regarding the newcomer Isar Aerospace, is the First Flight of Spectrum. This video is relevant because it documents the historic first test flight attempt of the Spectrum vehicle from Andøya, a key event referenced in the article’s discussion of the 2025/2026 timeline.