ESA Invites Launch Providers for European Launcher Challenge

ESA has launched a Request for Information (RFI) aimed at European launch service providers in preparation for the European Launcher Challenge. This initiative, unveiled in Seville, Spain, in November 2023, aims to enhance Europe's space access by promoting a variety of launch options and boosting the competitiveness of European launch services.

The European Launcher Challenge, to be funded and finalized by ESA Member States at the ESA Ministerial Council in 2025, encourages competition among European launch service providers to meet European institutional launch demands. The winners will receive ESA support to demonstrate their launch service capabilities and will have the opportunity to bid for institutional launch service contracts.

ESA is currently inviting European launch service providers to respond to the RFI by promoting their service projects and sharing their perspectives on the future of European space access. The competitive selection process for the Challenge is set for early 2025.

For participation details, visit the campaign page. Submissions are due by 23:59 CEST on 30 June 2024.