The European Space Agency entered into an agreement on Monday with Avio, the Italian firm responsible for the small Vega rocket, to initiate the design of a reusable upper stage capable of reaching orbit, safely returning to Earth, and being launched again.
This task is more challenging than retrieving and reusing a rocket’s booster stage, an achievement that the European industry has yet to realize. SpaceX’s reliable Falcon 9 rocket features a recoverable booster, and numerous companies across the U.S., China, and Europe are attempting to mirror SpaceX’s accomplishments with the partially reusable Falcon 9.
As other rocket manufacturers strive to keep pace with the Falcon 9, SpaceX has allocated its research and development funds toward Starship, a colossal fully reusable rocket exceeding 400 feet (120 meters) in height. Even for SpaceX, supported by the substantial finances of one of the wealthiest individuals globally, there have been challenges in perfecting all the necessary technologies to ensure Starship’s functionality.
Nonetheless, SpaceX is advancing with Starship, making it predictable that other rocket manufacturers desire to emulate it. The contract between the European Space Agency and Avio stands as the most recent instance.
Initial design
ESA and Avio finalized the agreement, valued at 40 million euros ($47 million), during the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney. In a press release, Avio stated it will “outline the requirements, system design, and supporting technologies essential to create a demonstrator capable of returning safely to Earth and being reused for future missions.”
Upon completion of the two-year contract, Avio will provide a preliminary design for the reusable upper stage alongside the ground infrastructure necessary to bring it to fruition. The preliminary design review represents a key milestone in the foundational stages of an aerospace initiative, typically occurring several years prior to completion. For instance, Europe’s premier Ariane 6 rocket underwent its preliminary design review in 2016, eight years before its inaugural launch.
An artist’s rendition shared by Avio and ESA depicts what the reusable upper stage could resemble. The vehicle strikingly resembles SpaceX’s Starship, featuring four flaps attached to the top and bottom. The reusable upper stage is positioned above a booster stage similar to Avio’s solid-fueled Vega rocket. Avio and ESA did not disclose any specifications regarding the size or performance of the launcher.
