Developing advanced technologies aimed at the in-flight demonstration of a reusable upper stage: this is the strategic objective of the €40 million contract signed today by Avio and the European Space Agency (ESA).

The 24-month contract marks a significant step forward in the transition of European launch systems toward full reusability, in line with the most recent global developments in the space transportation sector. The agreement was signed during the International Astronautical Congress currently underway in Sydney, in the presence of ESA’s Director of Space Transportation, Toni Tolker-Nielsen, and Avio’s Chief Commercial Officer and Director of Launch Services, Marino Fragnito.

The programme aims to define the requirements, system design and enabling technologies needed to develop a demonstrator capable of safely returning to Earth and being reused in future missions. The activities will cover both the flight and ground segments and will culminate in the definition of an integrated preliminary system design.

This initiative is part of ESA’s broader strategic vision for the future of European space transportation, which foresees the development of high-frequency launchers supported by an orbital industrial ecosystem capable of delivering logistics services in space, similar to the role airports and train stations play on Earth today.

Avio will contribute its extensive technical and industrial expertise, developed through its work on liquid propulsion systems —particularly those using liquid oxygen and methane— as well as the knowledge acquired through the Space Rider re-entry vehicle programme, to design an advanced, lightweight and high-performance solution for next-generation launch systems.

The cooperation with ESA results from a joint coordination process aimed at maximising the technological return on both European and national investments.

With this new initiative, Avio further strengthens its role as a key player in the evolution of European space transportation systems, making a decisive contribution to the innovation, sustainability and global competitiveness of the European space industry.