ESA and Avio advance design of reusable rocket upper stage
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Sep 30, 2025

ESA has signed a contract with Avio to develop a demonstration mission for a reusable rocket upper stage, marking a step toward fully reusable European launch systems. The program will define system requirements, explore disruptive solutions, and deliver preliminary designs for both flight and ground infrastructure.

The initiative builds on previous industrial work and aims to reduce risks associated with developing reusability, ultimately improving flexibility, cost efficiency, and competitiveness for European space transportation. ESA foresees orbiting logistics hubs operating much like terrestrial airports, benefiting from frequent, fully reusable flights.

ESA Director of Space Transportation Toni Tolker-Nielsen noted the dual importance of the contract: addressing near-term technical challenges while shaping Europe's long-term strategy. Upper stages, also known as orbital stages, have never been reused before, though Europe has validated individual reentry and recovery technologies. Integrating these into a complete reusable upper stage could transform access to space.

Giorgio Tumino, ESA's Chief Technical Advisor for Space Transportation, highlighted the harmonised approach with Avio, drawing on advances in liquid propulsion, reentry, and reusability technologies. The work complements ongoing efforts to de-risk reusable lower stages and may influence evolutions of the Vega rocket family as well as future all-reusable European launchers.

Avio CEO Giulio Ranzo said the company will leverage its expertise in liquid oxygen-methane engines and the Space Rider reentry vehicle to create a lightweight, high-performance solution. He added that the project aims to support next-generation launchers offering higher flight rates and more competitive costs.

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