ESA awards Italian firm nearly 50 million euros for mini Starship design
The European Space Agency has contracted an Italian company to develop a preliminary design for a small reusable rocket inspired by SpaceX's Starship. The deal, worth nearly 50 million euros, aims to bolster Europe's independent space access. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts to create cost-effective launch capabilities.
The European Space Agency (ESA) announced a significant contract on September 2025, awarding nearly €50 million to Thales Alenia Space, an Italian aerospace firm, for the preliminary design of a mini version of SpaceX's Starship reusable rocket. This project, part of ESA's broader strategy to enhance Europe's space independence, focuses on creating a small, fully reusable launcher capable of placing up to 1,500 kilograms into low Earth orbit.
Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales Group and Leonardo, will lead the design phase over the next 18 months. The rocket concept draws inspiration from Starship's stainless-steel construction and rapid reusability features, but scaled down to fit Europe's needs for frequent, affordable satellite launches. ESA's director of launchers, Toni Tolker-Nielsen, stated, "This contract marks a pivotal step towards a European reusable launcher family, reducing dependency on foreign providers and cutting launch costs dramatically."
Background context reveals Europe's push for sovereignty in space amid rising global competition. Traditional expendable rockets like Ariane 5 and Vega have served well, but their high costs—often exceeding €100 million per launch—limit accessibility. SpaceX's Starship, with its potential for suborbital flights and heavy-lift capacity, has disrupted the industry, prompting ESA to explore similar technologies. The mini Starship design aims to address gaps in small-payload missions, complementing larger systems like Ariane 6.
The contract value is precisely €47.5 million, funded through ESA's General Support Technology Programme. It includes feasibility studies, subsystem definitions, and initial prototyping plans. While no full-scale development is guaranteed, successful outcomes could lead to a demonstration flight by the early 2030s. Industry experts note potential challenges, such as achieving Starship-like reusability with a smaller budget, but view it as a pragmatic evolution.
This move aligns with ESA's 2023-2027 agenda, emphasizing innovation in propulsion and materials. Thales Alenia Space brings expertise from prior projects, including the ExoMars rover and International Space Station modules, ensuring a solid foundation. Overall, the initiative underscores Europe's commitment to competitive spacefaring without sensational overhauls.