The European Space Agency has selected five launch startups, including Isar Aerospace and Orbex, to potentially share up to 169 million euros for developing alternatives to the dominant launch provider, Arianespace. These startups will negotiate funding with European governments ahead of the ESA’s ministerial council meeting. The selected companies focus on small rocket launches, and ESA has modified its traditional geographic return policy for this initiative. This step aims to foster a competitive environment in the European launch market.
None of the selected companies are guaranteed ESA contracts or funding, as negotiations with European governments will determine the financial support leading up to the ESA's ministerial council meeting.
ESA emphasized the selection of the five 'preselected challengers' as part of a strategy to support launch contracts and demonstrations that promote the development of upgraded launch vehicles for heavier payloads.
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