Space & Satellites
Europe’s Urgent Push for Reusable Rockets to Compete with SpaceX
Europe aims to develop reusable rockets to compete with SpaceX, focusing on strategic autonomy and innovation by the 2030s.
The European space sector stands at a pivotal crossroads. For decades, Europe’s Ariane rocket series, developed under the auspices of the European Space Agency (ESA), has been a cornerstone of global satellite launches. However, the rapid advancement of reusable rocket technology, pioneered and commercialized by SpaceX, has fundamentally changed the economics and cadence of space access. This shift has prompted urgent calls from European leaders to accelerate the development of homegrown reusable launch vehicles.
ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher recently underscored this sense of urgency, stating that Europe must “quickly get its own reusable rocket launcher to catch up to billionaire Elon Musk’s dominant SpaceX.” This statement highlights not just a technological challenge, but a strategic imperative for Europe to maintain its competitiveness and autonomy in the rapidly evolving space sector.
As launch costs plummet and mission frequency rises thanks to reusability, Europe’s reliance on expendable rockets like the Ariane 6 has become increasingly precarious. The path to a European reusable rocket is now seen as essential, not optional, for the continent’s future in space exploration and commercial activity.
SpaceX’s introduction of the Falcon 9, with its reusable first stage, has reshaped the economics of orbital launches. By recovering and reusing boosters, SpaceX has significantly reduced launch prices and increased flight frequency. This disruptive innovation has allowed SpaceX to dominate the commercial launch market, securing frequent contracts from governments, private enterprises, and international organizations.
Official figures indicate that SpaceX’s Falcon 9 has become the most flown operational rocket in the world, regularly achieving multiple launches per month. This high cadence is unmatched by traditional expendable rockets, and it has set a new standard for reliability and cost-efficiency in the industry.
In contrast, Europe’s Ariane 6, which is currently debuting, is designed as a single-use vehicle. While it is a vital asset for institutional missions within Europe, it does not directly compete with SpaceX’s reusable launchers in the commercial sector. This leaves European providers at a disadvantage in terms of both cost and flexibility.
“Europe must quickly get its own reusable rocket launcher to catch up to billionaire Elon Musk’s dominant SpaceX.” — Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General
The Ariane 6 represents an evolutionary step for Europe, aiming to provide reliable access to space for European missions. However, its expendable nature has drawn criticism from policymakers and industry leaders. Stéphane Israël, CEO of Arianespace, has acknowledged that Europe will likely have to wait until the 2030s for a reusable successor to Ariane 6. This projected timeline highlights the significant lead that SpaceX has established.
Former French Finance Minister Bruno Lemaire has described the decision not to make Ariane 6 reusable as a “bad strategic choice,” emphasizing the need for Europe to develop its own version of SpaceX’s Falcon 9. This sentiment is echoed by many in the European space industry, who see reusability as a prerequisite for future competitiveness. The challenge is compounded by the rapid pace of innovation in the global space sector. As other countries and private entities invest in reusable technologies, the window for Europe to catch up is narrowing.
To address the reusability gap, ESA has launched several initiatives aimed at developing the necessary technologies. The Themis project, for example, is a demonstrator for a reusable rocket stage powered by the Prometheus engine, an innovative, low-cost engine designed with reusability in mind. These projects are intended to lay the groundwork for a future generation of European launch vehicles capable of competing with SpaceX.
In a significant recent move, ESA awarded a €40 million contract to the Italian aerospace company Avio to develop a reusable upper stage demonstrator. This project focuses on advancing liquid propulsion, reentry, and recovery technologies, all of which are critical components for achieving practical reusability in orbital launches.
While these initiatives represent important steps forward, the timeline remains a concern. The goal of fielding a fully operational reusable heavy-lift rocket by the 2030s underscores the scale of the challenge and the urgency of sustained investment and innovation.
“Europe will likely have to wait until the 2030s for a reusable successor to the Ariane 6.” — Stéphane Israël, CEO of Arianespace
Alongside public initiatives, a wave of private companies across Europe is working to develop reusable launch vehicles, particularly for the small satellite market. These efforts reflect a broader shift toward commercialization and innovation in the European space sector.
Startups, a subsidiary of ArianeGroup, is developing a partially reusable launcher with plans for a first stage that can be recovered at sea and reused up to five times. The company aims for a maiden flight in 2026, signaling an accelerated timeline compared to larger institutional projects.
Spain’s PLD Space recently achieved a milestone with the successful suborbital launch of its reusable Miura-1 rocket. The company is now developing the Miura-5, a larger vehicle targeting orbital missions. Similarly, Germany’s Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) is working on the RFA One, a three-stage rocket with a reusable first stage, although recent test failures have postponed their launch schedule. RFA is also participating in ESA studies for future super heavy-lift reusable rockets.
The UK’s Skyrora is notable for its development of “Ecosene,” a rocket fuel derived from unrecyclable plastic waste, and for using parachute recovery systems on suborbital vehicles. While it is not definitively clear whether the first stage of Skyrora XL will be reusable, the company’s focus on sustainability and innovation is indicative of broader trends in the sector. Other companies, including Orbex, HyImpulse, and Isar Aerospace, are also active in the small satellite launch market, contributing to a growing ecosystem of space-related innovation in Europe.
The transition to reusable rockets presents a range of technical, financial, and organizational challenges. Developing reliable recovery and refurbishment processes, ensuring safety and performance, and integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure all require significant investment and expertise.
Europe’s fragmented industrial landscape, with multiple national agencies and companies involved, adds complexity to coordination and decision-making. Achieving consensus on funding priorities and technical approaches is an ongoing challenge.
Despite these hurdles, the growing momentum behind both public and private initiatives suggests that Europe is committed to closing the gap. The success of these efforts will depend on sustained investment, effective collaboration, and the ability to learn from the experiences of established players like SpaceX.
Beyond technical considerations, the development of reusable rockets is seen as essential for Europe’s strategic autonomy. Reliance on non-European launch providers for critical missions poses risks to security, sovereignty, and economic competitiveness.
By cultivating a robust and innovative launch sector, Europe aims to secure independent access to space, support a growing commercial satellite industry, and participate fully in the next wave of space exploration and commercialization.
The emergence of new companies and technologies also offers opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and international collaboration. As the global space economy expands, Europe’s ability to compete will be shaped by its success in mastering reusability and related innovations.
“We must build our own SpaceX and our own Falcon 9.” — Bruno Lemaire, Former French Finance Minister
Europe’s space sector faces a defining moment. The rise of reusable rockets has transformed the global launch market, and catching up to SpaceX’s lead is both a formidable challenge and a strategic necessity. Through a combination of public initiatives like Themis and Prometheus, and private sector innovation from companies such as Maiaspace, PLD Space, and RFA, Europe is laying the groundwork for a new era of competitive, cost-effective, and sustainable space access. Looking ahead, the success of these efforts will determine Europe’s role in the commercial space age and its ability to maintain strategic autonomy. While the journey is fraught with technical and organizational hurdles, the growing momentum across the continent offers hope that Europe can close the gap and secure its place in the future of space exploration and industry.
What is the main advantage of reusable rockets? Why is Europe behind in developing reusable rocket technology? Which European companies are working on reusable launchers? When could Europe have its own reusable heavy-lift rocket? Sources:
Europe’s Urgent Quest for Reusable Rockets: Closing the Gap with SpaceX
The Shifting Landscape of Space Launch: SpaceX’s Dominance and Europe’s Response
SpaceX’s Impact on the Global Launch Market
The Ariane 6 and the Strategic Lag
European Initiatives: Public and Private Efforts Toward Reusability
ESA-Led Programs: Themis, Prometheus, and New Demonstrators
Private Sector Momentum: Emerging European Launch Companies
Challenges, Opportunities, and the Road Ahead
Technical and Strategic Hurdles
Strategic Autonomy and Market Competitiveness
Conclusion: Europe’s Path Forward in the Age of Reusable Rockets
FAQ
Reusable rockets significantly reduce launch costs and increase the frequency of missions by allowing major components, such as the first stage, to be recovered and flown multiple times.
Europe has historically focused on expendable launch vehicles like the Ariane series. Strategic decisions, funding priorities, and the complexity of coordinating across multiple countries have contributed to slower progress compared to companies like SpaceX.
Several companies are active in this area, including Maiaspace (France), PLD Space (Spain), Rocket Factory Augsburg (Germany), and Skyrora (UK), among others.
According to industry leaders, a fully operational European reusable heavy-lift rocket may not be available until the 2030s.
France 24,
European Space Agency (ESA),
Arianespace
Photo Credit: ESA
Space & Satellites
Vast Space Selected by NASA for Sixth Private Astronaut Mission to ISS
NASA selects Vast Space for the sixth private astronaut mission to the ISS, focusing on science with a launch planned for summer 2027.
This article is based on an official press release from Vast Space.
NASA has officially selected Vast Space to conduct the sixth private astronaut mission (PAM-6) to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, targeted for launch no earlier than summer 2027, marks a significant expansion in the commercial landscape of Low Earth Orbit (LEO). According to the announcement from the Long Beach-based aerospace company, this selection positions Vast as a key player in NASA’s strategy to transition from government-led operations to a commercial space economy.
The mission will utilize a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and a Dragon spacecraft to transport four private astronauts to the orbiting laboratory. While the specific crew members have not yet been named, Vast confirmed that the mission will focus heavily on science and research, distinguishing it from purely tourism-focused endeavors. This contract award represents a major milestone for Vast, which was founded in 2021 and is simultaneously developing its own commercial space station, Haven-1.
Under the terms of the agreement, the PAM-6 mission is designed to spend up to 14 days docked at the ISS. Vast stated in their press release that the primary objective is to conduct a broad range of experiments, including biology, biotechnology, physical sciences, and human research. This focus aligns with NASA’s requirement that private missions contribute to the utilization of the ISS’s research capabilities.
Vast will be responsible for the end-to-end mission management, including crew selection, training, and mission execution, subject to rigorous approval by NASA and its international partners. The company emphasized that this operational experience is critical for their long-term goals.
“Leveraging the remaining life of the International Space Station with science and research-led commercial crewed missions is a critical part of the transition to commercial space stations and fully unlocking the orbital economy.”
, Max Haot, CEO of Vast
The summer 2027 target date places PAM-6 in a busy operational window for the company. According to company timelines, Vast intends to launch its own single-module space station, Haven-1, in the first quarter of 2027. If these schedules hold, Vast could be managing two separate human spaceflight programs, one to the ISS and one to its own outpost, within the same calendar year.
Vast views the PAM-6 mission as more than just a flight to the ISS; it is an operational pathfinder for their future independent stations. By managing a crewed mission to the ISS, the company aims to refine the logistics, training protocols, and safety procedures required to operate Haven-1 and its planned successor, Haven-2. According to industry data, Vast successfully launched a “Haven Demo” pathfinder spacecraft in November 2025 aboard a SpaceX rideshare mission. That demonstration validated critical subsystems such as avionics and propulsion, likely contributing to NASA’s confidence in awarding the PAM-6 contract.
Dana Weigel, NASA’s ISS Program Manager, highlighted the agency’s goal of fostering a robust commercial market through these missions.
“By hosting private astronaut missions, the station helps accelerate innovation, opens new commercial pathways, and advances research strengthening the foundation of a thriving space economy.”
, Dana Weigel, NASA ISS Program Manager
The selection of Vast for PAM-6 signals a notable shift in the private astronaut market, which has previously been dominated by Axiom Space. Axiom operated the first four private missions to the ISS (Ax-1 through Ax-4) and holds the contract for Ax-5. By selecting a second provider, NASA appears to be actively encouraging competition and reducing reliance on a single vendor for commercial access to the station.
Furthermore, this “dual-track” strategy, where Vast pursues both ISS missions and its own station simultaneously, is aggressive. It suggests that the company is positioning itself not just as a participant in the current ISS program, but as a leading contender for the Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) program that will eventually replace the ISS around 2030.
When will the mission launch? Who will be on board? What spacecraft will be used? How does this relate to Haven-1?
Vast Space Selected by NASA for Sixth Private Astronaut Mission to ISS
Mission Profile and Objectives
Operational Timeline
Strategic Context: The Road to Haven
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The mission is targeted for launch no earlier than summer 2027.
Vast will select four crew members. Their names have not been announced, but they will undergo NASA and international partner approval.
The mission will use a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket.
Vast plans to launch its own station, Haven-1, in early 2027. The ISS mission (PAM-6) serves as an operational experience builder and risk-reduction exercise for the company’s long-term habitation goals.
Sources
Photo Credit: Vast
Space & Satellites
Hypersonix Announces Launch Window for Cassowary Vex Hypersonic Mission
Hypersonix sets launch window for Cassowary Vex mission in Feb 2026 to test 3D-printed hydrogen scramjet at Mach 7 from MARS, Virginia.
Australian aerospace manufacturer Hypersonix Launch Systems has officially announced the launch window for the first flight of its DART AE (Additive Engineering) hypersonic vehicle. According to the company, the mission, codenamed “Cassowary Vex”, is scheduled to launch no earlier than late February 2026 from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) at Wallops Island, Virginia.
This upcoming flight marks a significant milestone in the development of reusable hypersonic technologies. The mission will utilize a Rocket Lab HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) vehicle to boost the DART AE to its initial release speed. The primary objective is to validate the performance of the SPARTAN scramjet engine, a hydrogen-fueled propulsion system that is entirely 3D-printed.
The mission is being conducted in partnership with the United States Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), highlighting the deepening defense technology collaboration between the U.S. and Australia under the HyCAT (Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing Capabilities) program.
The mission profile, detailed in recent industry reports, involves a complex sequence of events designed to test the limits of autonomous hypersonic flight. The launch vehicle, Rocket Lab’s HASTE, will lift the 3.5-meter DART AE to the upper atmosphere. Once the booster accelerates the payload to approximately Mach 5, the DART AE will separate and ignite its own engine.
According to mission specifications released by Hypersonix, the vehicle will then accelerate under its own power to a target speed of Mach 7 (approximately 8,600 km/h). The flight aims to demonstrate non-ballistic, reusable flight characteristics, distinguishing it from traditional missile tests.
The launch is set to take place at Launch Complex 2 at MARS. While the window opens in late February, Hypersonix has stated that the exact timing will be confirmed 24 hours prior to liftoff. The mission name, “Cassowary Vex,” references the flightless Australian bird, while the launch service itself has been humorously dubbed “That’s Not A Knife,” a cultural nod to the film Crocodile Dundee.
The core technology under review during this mission is the SPARTAN scramjet engine. Unlike many competitors that utilize kerosene-based fuels, the SPARTAN engine runs on green hydrogen. Hypersonix claims this fuel choice offers a higher specific impulse, resulting in greater efficiency and a clean burn that produces only water vapor. The “AE” in the vehicle’s name stands for Additive Engineering. The entire airframe and engine are constructed using high-temperature alloys, such as Inconel, capable of withstanding temperatures exceeding 1,000°C. The engine features a fixed-geometry design with no moving parts, a feature intended to increase reliability while reducing manufacturing costs.
In a statement regarding the engineering effort, Hypersonix CEO Matt Hill emphasized the collaborative nature of the project:
“This flight reflects years of engineering work and the confidence of our partners at DIU, NASA, and Rocket Lab. It brings us a meaningful step closer to operational hypersonic systems that are reusable, sustainable, and strategically relevant for Australia and for our allies.”
The “Cassowary Vex” mission arrives during a period of intense activity within the hypersonic sector. The flight is part of the DIU’s HyCAT program, which selected Hypersonix to provide a testbed capable of high-cadence testing for U.S. defense technologies.
Recent industry data places Hypersonix alongside other key players in the reusable hypersonic race. For instance, Stratolaunch successfully recovered its Talon-A2 vehicle in March 2025 after a Mach 5+ flight, and Hermeus completed the first flight of its Quarterhorse Mk 1 in May 2025. However, Hypersonix distinguishes itself by demonstrating a ground-launch capability via a rocket booster, rather than an air-launch system.
Dr. Michael Smart, Co-Founder and CTO of Hypersonix, noted the importance of real-world testing:
“DART AE allows us to validate propulsion, materials, and control systems at speeds and temperatures that simply can’t be replicated on the ground. What we learn from this mission will directly inform the next generation of operational hypersonic vehicles.”
The decision to utilize green hydrogen for the SPARTAN scramjet represents a calculated risk with potentially high rewards. While hydrogen offers superior energy density by weight compared to hydrocarbon fuels, it presents storage and volumetric challenges. If the “Cassowary Vex” mission successfully demonstrates sustained Mach 7 flight using this fuel source, it could validate hydrogen as a viable fuel for future high-speed logistics and defense platforms, moving the industry away from heavier, dirtier hydrocarbon alternatives.
Furthermore, the reliance on additive manufacturing (3D printing) for the entire airframe suggests a shift toward rapid scalability. Traditional aerospace manufacturing is often slow and tooling-intensive. By printing the vehicle from high-temperature alloys, Hypersonix is attempting to prove that hypersonic vehicles can be produced quickly and at a lower cost, a critical requirement for the “high-cadence” testing sought by the US Defense Innovation Unit.
Hypersonix’s development has been supported by significant capital investment. The company recently closed a $46 million Series A funding round. Investors include the Australian Government’s National Reconstruction Fund Corporation, the Queensland Investment Corporation, High Tor Capital (UK), and Saab (Sweden). This diverse backing underscores the international interest in the DART AE platform.
Hypersonix Sets Launch Window for Maiden “Cassowary Vex” Hypersonic Mission
Mission Profile: “Cassowary Vex”
Launch Logistics
Technology Spotlight: The SPARTAN Scramjet
Strategic Context and Market Landscape
AirPro News analysis
Financial Backing
Sources
Photo Credit: Hypersonix Launch Systems
Space & Satellites
NASA SpaceX Crew-12 Launches for Eight-Month ISS Mission
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 launched from Cape Canaveral with an international crew for an eight-month ISS mission focusing on medical research and tech demonstrations.
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission successfully lifted off early Friday morning, marking the beginning of an eight-month scientific expedition aboard the International Space Station (ISS). According to official reports from the space agency, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched at 5:15 a.m. EST on February 13, 2026, from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The mission carries a diverse international crew of four, including two NASA astronauts, one European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, and one Roscosmos cosmonaut. The crew is traveling aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft named Freedom, which successfully separated from the rocket’s second stage and achieved orbit shortly after launch. NASA confirms the spacecraft is currently executing a series of engine burns to rendezvous with the orbiting laboratory, with docking scheduled for approximately 3:15 p.m. EST on Saturday, February 14.
The Crew-12 team comprises a mix of veteran spacefarers and first-time flyers who will join Expedition 74 aboard the ISS. NASA officials highlighted the specific roles and backgrounds of the four crew members:
During their eight-month stay, the crew will conduct hundreds of experiments designed to prepare humanity for future deep-space exploration, including missions to the Moon and Mars. NASA has outlined several critical research areas for this mission.
A primary focus of the mission involves understanding how the space environment affects human health. One key study will investigate how Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria interact with heart tissue in microgravity. According to mission documentation, bacteria can become more virulent in space, and researchers aim to identify the mechanisms behind potential long-term heart damage caused by respiratory infections.
Additionally, the crew will study fluid shifts and blood flow. This research examines how physical characteristics influence clotting risks during spaceflight, a vital dataset for mitigating health risks on long-duration missions.
The crew is also tasked with testing new life-support technologies. NASA highlights a system designed to generate intravenous (IV) fluids directly from the station’s water supply. This capability is considered critical for future Mars missions, where the logistical burden of carrying large supplies of pre-packaged medical fluids would be impractical.
The launch of Crew-12 represents a continued effort to expand the operational redundancy of commercial spaceflight infrastructure. This mission is only the second human spaceflight to launch from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40). Historically used for cargo and satellite missions, SpaceX upgraded the pad to support crewed launches, providing a backup to the primary pad at Launch Complex 39A. The hardware for this mission also highlights the reusability central to the Commercial Crew Program. The Dragon capsule Freedom is making its return to space, having previously supported the Crew-4, Ax-2, Ax-3, and Crew-9 missions.
The successful utilization of SLC-40 for Crew-12 underscores a maturing commercial space ecosystem. By validating a second launch pad for human missions, NASA and SpaceX have effectively mitigated the risk of single-point ground infrastructure failure. This redundancy is essential for maintaining a continuous human presence on the ISS, especially as the station approaches its final years of operation and traffic to low-Earth orbit increases.
Furthermore, the inclusion of an ESA rookie alongside seasoned NASA and Roscosmos veterans illustrates the continued reliance on the ISS as a diplomatic and cooperative platform. Despite geopolitical tensions on Earth, the integrated crew operations required for Expedition 74 demonstrate that space remains a unique venue for international collaboration.
Crew Profile and Mission Roles
Scientific Objectives for Expedition 74
Medical and Biological Research
Technology Demonstrations
Launch Infrastructure and Hardware
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: NASA
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