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 by large international agencies.
In the past, the market has been dominated by high-cost launchers, subsidised by agencies or states for the purpose of providing government and commercial telecommunications and Earth observation services. However, the launcher market has evolved towards a market with more reasonable costs due to the emergence of companies such as North American company SpaceX and the use of launchers based on refurbished ballistic missiles.
In this context, and thanks to the technological evolution in miniaturisation, digitalisation and advanced concepts, a plethora of new medium/low cost launcher developments have emerged around the world. These new launchers are smaller and less capable but, at the same time, miniaturisation and digitalisation have enabled a greater number of smaller satellites, which also demand less performance from launchers. The market is thus moving towards smaller satellites 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, launcher integration, 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 small launcher market. For this purpose, it is essential to have access to a rocket launch base specifically prepared and adapted to the prototype in question.
- Acquisition of a small launcher prototype that qualifies the Spanish independent space access technology and allows the Spanish industry to enter the small launcher market. This prototype launcher must be tested and its validation could provide flight opportunities for experimental Spanish satellites (observation, communications, air traffic management systems, scientific, technological, etc.)
Execution and results
The Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities will launch a Pre-commercial Public Procurement for a launcher through the Industrial Technological Development Centre (CDTI).
A preliminary market consultation was carried out in March 2022, the results of which have been released in a public report and which has served as the basis for preparing technical specifications for the tender. The launcher will be developed in two phases, a first design phase lasting six months and a second phase of prototype development, lasting up to 24 months. The two contracts were signed in June 2023 with two winning companies: PANGEA AEROSPACE and PAYLOAD AEROSPACE, so that the design phase is scheduled to end in 2023.