Overview

• ESA today preselected Isar Aerospace, MaiaSpace, Rocket Factory Augsburg, PLD Space and Orbex for its European Launcher Challenge to build sovereign light-payload rockets.
• Each company is eligible for up to €169 million in development and demonstration support covering launch services from 2026 through 2030.
• No binding contracts will be signed until ESA member states approve the agency’s budget at the November 2025 ministerial council meeting.
• To date, only Isar Aerospace has attempted an orbital launch—its Spectrum rocket failed shortly after liftoff—and Rocket Factory Augsburg has also recorded a test-stage explosion.
• PLD Space’s Miura 5 and Orbex’s Prime rockets are slated for maiden flights in 2026 as part of the program’s demonstration phase.