ESA Signs European Launcher Challenge Contracts with Isar, RFA, and PLD Space
August 27, 2026
The European Space Agency signed contracts with multiple European launch companies under the European Launcher Challenge this week, including Isar Aerospace, Rocket Factory Augsburg, and PLD Space. The agreements mark the program's advance into a second procurement phase aimed at developing the next generation of private European launch vehicles. The challenge follows ESA's initial selection of finalists in July 2025. Rocket Factory Augsburg is one of five finalists moving into the second procu