ESA signs first major European Launcher Challenge contract with Spain's PLD Space

ESA signs first major European Launcher Challenge contract with Spain's PLD Space

ESA has signed its first contract with PLD Space under the European Launcher Challenge, worth 158.9 million euros, to boost MIURA 5 launches and new orbital capabilities.

ESA Launches Next Phase of European Launcher Challenge With €543.6 Million in Contracts

The first contracts under the European Launcher Challenge between the European Space Agency (ESA) and European launch service providers have been signed, concluding the second stage of the tender process. The next stage of the European Launcher Challenge will shift the focus from contract awards to flight performance, with the participating launch providers required to demonstrate successful orbital launches no later than 2027.

ESA signs three launcher contracts, each must reach orbit before 2028

The European Space Agency has signed its first contracts under the European Launcher Challenge. Three German and Spanish rocket startups now have until 2028 to get to orbit. ESA announced the awards on Thursday, describing them as a push to expand Europe’s launch options and reduce reliance on SpaceX. Spectrum has flown for 30 seconds and just won €197.8 million Munich-based Isar Aerospace won the biggest of the three prizes, about €200 million …