Access to space is a strategic and essential aspect for the development of space technology. Without access to space, there is no possibility of using or enjoying space technology, which would be subject to high costs, high-level political decisions or participation in projects or initiatives of the large international agencies.
The market has in the past been dominated by high-cost launchers, subsidized by agencies or states for the purpose of providing government and commercial telecommunications and earth observation services. However, the launch market has evolved into a market with more reasonable costs due to the emergence of companies such as the American company SpaceX and the use of launchers based on remote ballistic missiles
In this context, and thanks to the technological evolution in miniaturisation, digitalisation and advanced concepts, a plethora of new developments of medium/low cost launchers have emerged around the world. These new launchers are smaller and less capable, but, at the same time, miniaturisation and digitisation have enabled a greater number of smaller satellites, which also demand less performance from the launchers. In this sense, the market is moving towards smaller satellites and with more functionalities and applications such as earth observation, communication, air traffic management systems, constellations, for technology qualification, scientific purposes, data networks, etc.
This action is mainly aimed at:
- Development of the capabilities and technologies necessary to build the required components, integration of the launcher, as well as the design and implementation of a test with a prototype launcher that qualifies the launcher itself as a product capable of entering the market of small launchers. To this end, it is essential to have access to a rocket launch base specifically prepared and adapted to the prototype in question.
- Acquisition of a prototype of small launcher that qualifies the technology of access to the independent Spanish space and allows the Spanish industry to enter the market of small launchers. This prototype of launcher must be tested and its validation could offer flight opportunities to experimental Spanish satellites (observation, communications, air traffic management systems, scientists, technologies, etc.).
Execution and results
A Pre-commercial Public Purchase of a launcher will be made by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the Center for Technological and Industrial Development (CDTI).
In March 2022, a preliminary market consultation was carried out in March 2022, the results of which have been disclosed in a public report and which has served as the basis for the preparation of the technical specifications for the tender. The development of the launcher will be carried out in two phases, a first of design, of 6 months duration, and a second of development of the prototype, of a maximum of 24 months duration. In June 2023, the two contracts were signed with two awarding companies: PANGEA AEROSPACE and PAYLOAD AEROSPACE, so that at the end of 2023 the end of the design phase is scheduled.