European Rocket Index

In an effort to map the continent’s launch market, we have created the European Rocket Index. It includes what we believe to be just about every launch vehicle company in Western Europe. If you would like to add an entry or edit any of the above entries, please email andrewp@europeanspaceflight.com.

Although there are a number of launch vehicle companies in Europe, they are not all equal. An existing presence in the market, better funding, and maturity of specific technology ensure that a few of the above companies are far ahead of the competition. Below is a list of companies that we feel are the most likely to succeed or to continue succeeding in the coming years.

ArianeGroup – France

ArianeGroup was founded in 2015 as a joint venture between Airbus and Safran. In addition to defense and security arms, the company develops the operational Ariane 5 rocket which has been launched more than 110 times. ArianeGroup is currently developing its next-generation two-stage Ariane 6 launch vehicle. The new vehicle will be offered in two variants that will be capable of carrying between 10,350 to 21,650 kilograms. Ariane 6 is expected to debut in 2022.

Although ArianeGroup develops and builds the Ariane 5 and 6 rockets, Arianespace acts as the launch service provider for both vehicles. A third subsidiary, ArianeWorks is tasked with developing next-generation technologies like the reusable Themis rocket booster.

Avio – Italy

Avio is an Italian aerospace company with roots as far back as 1908. In addition to several other projects, the company is responsible for developing and producing Vega. The four-stage small launch vehicle is powered into a sub-orbital trajectory by three solid-fuel stages with payloads being deployed into orbit from the rocket’s liquid-fuel AVUM upper stage.

In addition to the currently operational Vega rocket, Avio is currently developing the next-generation Vega-C rocket which is powered by the same P120 booster utilised by the Ariane 6. The rocket is expected to offer better launch performance and flexibility than Vega at a more attractive price range.

Although Avio develops and produces the Vega family of rockets, launch services for the rockets are carried out by Arianespace.

Isar Aerospace – Germany

As one of Europe’s most well-funded launch startups, Isar is in a unique position to ensure its part in the Future of European launch. The company is developing its Spectrum rocket, a two-stage liquid-fuel rocket capable of launching 1,000 kilograms of payload to orbit. Spectrum is expected to debut in 2023.

In addition to securing several early launch contracts, Isar Aerospace has also won a DLR (German Space Agency) microlauncher competition that requires the company to launch a pair of Spectrum missions carrying institutional payloads.

Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) – Germany

Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 as a spin-off of the space technology company OHB SE. The company is developing its three-stage liquid-fueled RFA One rocket which is designed to be capable of carrying 1,350 kilograms to low Earth orbit. The RFA One is expected to debut in 2023. In addition to a location in Germany, the company also has a subsidiary in Portugal that is developing and qualifying composite structures for the RFA One.

In 2021, Rocket Factory Augsburg signed launch contracts with Plus Ultra Space Outpost, Lunar Research Service, Neutron Star Systems, and SENER Aeroespacial among others.

Orbex – United Kingdom

Orbex was founded in 2015 with the aim of developing a reusable launch vehicle focused on servicing the supporting the requirements of the small satellite market. The company claims that its two-stage Prime vehicle will be capable of delivering 150 kilograms to a Sun-synchronous orbit with an “innovative low mass recovery and re-flight system.” Orbex’s approach has attracted over €56 million in funding and a number of early launch contracts.

Prime is expected to debut in 2023. This projected launch date will, however, be subject to the availability of the proposed new Sutherland in the North of Scotland.

Skyrora

Skyrora was founded in 2017 with the goal of serving the growing small satellite market. In addition to its three-stage orbital-class Skyrora XL launch vehicle, the company also plans to offer flights aboard a pair of suborbital launch vehicles. The Skyrora XL vehicle is designed to carry 315 kilograms of payload into low Earth orbit and is slated to make its debut in 2023.

Although the company has secured over €38 million in funding, they are yet to sign a launch contract. However, if the company manages to launch the first orbital mission from UK shores later this year as planned, they will be in a good position to begin to sign on customers aboard their range of launch vehicles.