Three German Rocket Companies and One UK-Based Firm Got €44.2 Million Award From ESA

The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced €44.2 million in additional funding through its Boost! programme. This initiative, designed to promote commercial launch services, will support four innovative European rocket companies: Orbex, Rocket Factory Augsburg, HyImpulse, and Isar Aerospace. The funding is a big boost for European rocket development, as it aims to alleviate the financial burden these companies face as they prepare for their first launches.

What Is the Boost! Programme?

Launched in 2019, Boost! is part of ESA’s commitment to fostering a competitive commercial spaceflight market in Europe. It provides co-funding to promising space transportation projects to help them overcome financial hurdles during key development phases.

Initially, HyImpulse, Rocket Factory Augsburg, and Isar Aerospace received €500,000 each through the DLR microlauncher competition in 2020. Later, Rocket Factory Augsburg and Isar Aerospace secured €11 million each after winning subsequent competition rounds.

Orbex joined the Boost! programme in 2021, receiving €7.45 million to expand its operations. By 2023, HyImpulse was awarded £3.4 million to advance its hybrid propulsion testing, while Orbex received £3.3 million to construct a green propellant facility at its Sutherland Spaceport in Scotland.

Latest Funding Breakdown

Although ESA has not disclosed full details of this recent round of funding, company statements confirm the allocations:

• Orbex – €5.6 million for continued development at Sutherland Spaceport.
• Rocket Factory Augsburg – €11.8 million to advance its small satellite launch system.
• HyImpulse – €11.8 million to support hybrid propulsion and testing.
• Isar Aerospace – €15 million, making it the largest recipient, as it nears its first orbital launch.

European Rocket Development Boost at a Pivotal Time for European Launch Providers

“Europe’s emerging commercial launch service providers are pushing towards their first launches,” explained ESA’s Director of Space Transportation, Toni Tolker-Nielsen. “We are very interested to see their rockets deliver, diversifying the European launch services on offer.”

Isar Aerospace leads the pack with its 28-metre Spectrum rocket, which can carry up to 1,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit. Integrated tests are currently underway at its Norwegian launch site, with the first flight expected before the end of 2024.

Rocket Factory Augsburg, Orbex, and HyImpulse are also progressing, with each company focusing on their unique launch technologies. This funding provides critical support during a phase where high development costs outweigh revenue opportunities.

Boosting Europe’s Space Ambitions

This investment reinforces ESA’s commitment to cultivating a robust commercial launch sector in Europe. By diversifying capabilities, ESA ensures Europe remains a global leader in space transportation while fostering innovation across the industry.