The European Space Agency (ESA) is investing in technologies for reusability to secure Europe’s long-term autonomy and competitiveness in space transportation. At the 2025 Paris Air Show, ESA announced eight new development projects selected through FLPP – its programme for future space transportation – and its FIRST! initiative, which supports disruptive technology maturation with high commercial potential.
The awards were announced during a dedicated ceremony recognising the selected teams. The setting reflects the growing momentum behind space transportation innovation in Europe and the value of focused investment in technologies with quick but long-term impact.
“Reusability is essential for Europe’s future in space transportation,” said Elena Garombo, Reusability Technology Engineer. “These projects link early innovation with the technologies needed for European space services. By engaging industry at the start, we’re fostering solutions that will serve European space transportation.”
The projects were selected through the FIRST! Reusability Invitation to Tender (ITT), following a two-stage process. In the first stage, ideas were submitted through ESA’s Open Space Innovation Platform and presented during a dedicated pitch day. The event brought together technology developers, users, and investors for direct discussions that enabled participants to refine ideas, identify use cases and form new consortia.
The second stage, the ITT, was open to all eligible applicants, including those who had not participated in stage one, and focused on submitting formal proposals for development.
The call attracted 27 proposals from 11 countries, with more than half submitted by consortia – ten of them international. This reflects the strong cross-border interest in reusable technologies and the role of pitch day in helping partners connect.
“Working with FIRST! has enabled us to mature our technology for cryotanks through a fast and efficient process, reaching the stage where we include end-users in our activities for future commercialization,” said Robin Trigueira, CTO & Co-founder, CompPair Technologies Ltd, one of the selected companies under FIRST! Reusability. “We are looking forward to the next year of this project and reaching a crucial milestone in breadboard building for reusable structures in the space industry.”
These projects also contribute to ESA’s broader goals of strengthening European resilience and autonomy in space access. By advancing key technologies through companies based in participating Member States, FLPP supports the long-term competitiveness of Europe’s space transportation sector.
The FIRST! Reusability ITT covered four focus areas critical to reusable launch systems, with two contracts awarded in each category:
Technologies for Refurbishment and Operations
- Almatech in consortium with CSEM
- CompPair Technologies in consortium with Invent
Landing and Recovery Systems and Technologies
- 5M s.r.o. in consortium with L.K. Engineering, s.r.o. and VZLU AEROSPACE
- GMV Innovating Solutions (PL)
Reversible/Reconnectable Interface Systems and Technologies
- deltaVision GmbH in consortium with Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, OHB System AG and InSpacePropulsion Technologies GmbH
- OCCAM SPACE
Descent Systems and Technologies (including thermal protection and management)
- Orbital Paradigm in consortium with Arceon, Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics and Sirius Space Services
- University of Twente in consortium with Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and Technische Universitat Dresden
Each project will now begin development with ESA for a 12-month contract, with results expected to be presented at the FLPP Autumn Session in 2026. Projects supported by FIRST! typically reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 – 5, delivering tested components that can support the development of reusable space systems for future missions.
Development is now underway: grounded in testing, shaped by commercial potential, and delivered project by project, across Europe.
Explore funding calls, networking events, and programme updates at the ESA Space Transportation website.
ESA Space Transportation website