we receive e we publish the following Press release spread by Avio.
Developing advanced technologies aimed at the flight demonstration of a reusable upper stage: this is the strategic objective of the contract 40 million euro signed today by Avio and by the 'European Space Agency (ESA).
The 24-month contract represents a significant step in the transition of European launch systems towards full reusability, in line with the latest global developments in the space transportation sector. The agreement was signed during the International Astronautical Congress currently underway in Sydney, in the presence of Toni Tolker-Nielsen, Director of Space Transportation at ESA, and of Marino Fragnito, Chief Commercial Officer and Director of Launch Services at Avio.
The program aims to define requirements, system design and enabling technologies necessary to develop a demonstrator capable of return safely to Earth and be reused for future missions. The activities will concern both flight and ground segments, concluding with the definition of a preliminary integrated system design.
This initiative is part of the ESA's broader strategic vision for the future of European space transport, which includes the development of high-frequency launchers, supported by an orbital industrial ecosystem capable of providing logistics services in space, similar to the role that airports and train stations play on Earth today.
Avio will make its extensive technical and industrial experience, matured in the development of liquid propulsion systems, especially those using liquid oxygen and methane, as well as the skills acquired with the program Space Rider, to design a advanced, lightweight and high-performance solution intended for next-generation launch systems.
“We are proud to contribute to the development of a reusable upper stage, leveraging our strong technological capabilities and our long industrial tradition. Our goal is to provide high-performance solutions that enable a increased frequency of launches e more competitive costs for our customers”Said Giulio Ranzo, CEO of Avio.
The collaboration with ESA was born from a joint coordination process, aimed at maximizing the technological return on European and national investments.
Giorgio Tumino, ESA's Chief Technical Advisor for Space Transportation, stressed:
“The objective and contents of the activities are the result of joint harmonization work with Avio, aimed at maximizing the technological return on investments by ESA and the Member States. We are capitalizing on the progress made in advanced liquid propulsion, in reentry technology, in recovery and reusability, complementing ongoing efforts to reduce the risks associated with demonstrations of
reusable lower stages. This approach supports several possible scenarios, including evolutions of the Vega family and other new launch systems completely reusable in Europe".
Toni Tolker-Nielsen, Director of Space Transportation at ESA, commented:
"I am delighted to sign this contract, which is of dual importance: on the one hand, it addresses short-term technological challenges, and on the other, it lays the foundations for preparing Europe's long-term future in space. The upper stage, also known as orbital stage, is the last part of a rocket that carries the payload into orbit. So far, these elements they have never been reusedEurope has already demonstrated the ability to safely deliver all hardware components into space and return them back, but integrate these capabilities into a complete reusable upper stage, which can also launch payloads, has the potential to be a turning point".
With this new initiative, Avio further strengthens its role as a key player in the evolution of European space transport systems, contributing decisively to the innovation, sustainability and the global competitiveness of the European space industry.
