European Space Agency

ESA Ministerial Commits €902M to Five European Launcher Challenge Companies

At the ESA Ministerial Council meeting (CM25) in November 2025, member states committed a total of €902.16 million to five companies selected for the European Launcher Challenge: Isar Aerospace, Rocket Factory Augsburg, MaiaSpace, PLD Space, and Orbex. Framework contracts will be signed in 2026. Companies must achieve a successful orbital launch by 2027 to qualify for continued operational launch contracts through 2030. Isar received €178.85M, RFA €175.21M, and PLD Space received €169M (all from Spain). Orbex subsequently entered insolvency in February 2026, leaving four active challengers.