European Space Agency Selects Four Companies to Lead Reusable Rocket Development

The four companies were selected under two ESA programs focused on reusable rocket technology: the Technologies for High-Thrust Reusable Space Transportation (THRUST!) project and the Boosters for European Space Transportation (BEST!) project. These programs aim to enhance Europe's space infrastructure by supporting the development of rockets capable of returning to Earth for multiple flights, a technology pioneered in part by SpaceX and other global players. According to the ESA Commercialisation Gateway, the selected companies are set to enter contract negotiations to further develop and test their solutions.

Advancing High-Thrust Rocket Technology: THRUST! Project

The THRUST! project seeks to promote the development of high-powered European liquid propulsion systems, focusing on advancing stage combustion engine technology. Rocket Factory Augsburg and The Exploration Company were awarded contracts under this initiative.

The Exploration Company, already supported by France’s space agency CNES, is developing a powerful new engine known as the Typhoon. Capable of producing an impressive 200 tonnes of thrust, Typhoon represents a major milestone for European rocket propulsion and could be instrumental for larger, reusable launch vehicles.

Rocket Factory Augsburg, meanwhile, will build on its work with the Helix engine, which currently powers the company's RFA ONE rocket but produces a more modest 10 tonnes of thrust. For THRUST!, the company is set to develop an entirely new high-thrust engine, one that remains under wraps but promises to deliver significantly higher thrust to meet the project’s ambitious goals.

THRUST! is ESA’s second high-thrust engine initiative in recent months. In September, the agency awarded a contract to Pangea Aerospace for the development of its Kronos engine, which, like Typhoon, is expected to achieve around 200 tonnes of thrust. This effort underscores ESA’s commitment to creating competitive rocket technology that will drive future European space missions.

Building Reusable Boosters: BEST! Project

The BEST! project, designed to foster reusable booster technology, looks toward a new generation of European rockets with recoverable first stages. ArianeGroup and Isar Aerospace were selected to work under this program, with the expectation that the first tangible results will be assessed at ESA’s ministerial council meeting in late 2025.

ArianeGroup, which has received support from both ESA and the European Union, is already developing Themis, a reusable booster prototype scheduled for initial tests in 2025. This technology is expected to be implemented in a new line of rockets by MaiaSpace, ArianeGroup’s microlauncher division. It remains unclear whether Themis will be the main focus for ArianeGroup under BEST! or if they are developing an entirely new concept as part of the initiative.

Isar Aerospace, on the other hand, is close to completing its Spectrum rocket, with plans for a maiden launch from Norway’s Andoya Spaceport by the end of 2025. The company is also working on a larger rocket variant, known as Spectrum 2, which aims to increase payload capacity from one to four tonnes. This heavier model is expected to feature reusable components, although it remains uncertain if Spectrum 2 will be the focus of Isar’s work on the BEST! project.

With these selections, ESA has taken a decisive step towards boosting Europe’s competitiveness in the high-stakes global race for reusable space technology. These new initiatives represent a major commitment to cutting-edge propulsion and booster technology, paving the way for a future in which European rockets are not only powerful but also sustainable and cost-effective.

By Azhar