Dossier 56 – Seven recommendations to secure the future of European launchers

The ESA Ministerial Council in Seville in November 2023 was held without the availability of its launchers, due to the delay of Ariane 6 and the problems encountered by Vega-C. ESA chose to turn this obstacle into an opportunity, launching the ELC (European Launcher Challenge), a competition between European small launcher project initiatives to foster innovation, increase competitiveness and prepare the next generation of launchers. By the second half of 2024, significant progress had been made, with the successful first launch of Ariane 6 and two Vega and Vega-C flights. In a context of heightened international competition, particularly with the United States, Europe must reaffirm its ambitions in space. This is why the Space Commission of the Air and Space Academy (AAE) is publishing seven recommendations to ensure the future of European launchers.