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Rocket Factory Augsburg signs ESA contract under the European Launcher Challenge

August 27, 2026

Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) under the European Launcher Challenge (ELC). The agreement makes RFA one of the selected European launch service providers advancing to the second procurement phase of the program. In July 2025, ESA had already selected RFA as one of five finalists for the second phase.

"I am incredibly proud of the entire Rocket Factory team and very pleased to see this contract signed. The European Launcher Challenge opens a new chapter in Europe's space ambitions and promotes competition in the launch sector. RFA's successful advancement to the second round is the result of years of hard work in Augsburg, driven by strong commitment, technical excellence, and remarkable perseverance in developing a competitive European launch system," says Marco Fuchs, CEO of OHB SE.

OHB is a strategic investor in RFA.

The European Launcher Challenge is an ESA initiative designed to strengthen European launch capabilities. The program aims to foster competition in the European launcher market, increase the number of available launch service providers, and secure Europe's independent access to space over the long term. To achieve these objectives, the European Launcher Challenge is giving companies access to ESA support for the deployment and improvement of new launch services.

The contract signed today is scheduled to run through mid-2029. Its primary focus areas include the further development of the RFA ONE Block 2 launch vehicle, expansion of the required ground infrastructure, and preparation for scalable serial production.

"Independent and competitive access to space is a key prerequisite for technological sovereignty, economic strength, and strategic security. For many years, we have been committed to expanding Europe's space capabilities, as well as its independent launch capacity and infrastructure. Within the OHB Group, we already provide the largest industrial workshare for Europe's current heavy-lift launcher, Ariane 6, and we are developing launch infrastructure both on land and through mobile offshore launch platforms," Fuchs continues. "When it comes to ensuring Europe's independent access to space, OHB's expertise is indispensable today."

For RFA, the contract represents an important milestone on the path toward further industrialization and increased technological maturity of its launch system. The company aims to use this opportunity to establish the capabilities needed for regular, cost-efficient satellite launches from European spaceports and to contribute to a robust and independent European space transportation infrastructure.