EU Commission reusable launcher plan wants full 1st-stage reuse like SpaceX, not just engine like ULA

by Peter B. de Selding

CARSAC DE GURSON, France — The European Commission, which has been largely absent from Europe’s launcher development effort up to now, outlined how it is using its new seven-year budget to stimulate reusable-rocket efforts and high-thrust propulsion.

The Commission does not lack for ambition: It wants a recoverable first stage ready for low-altitude flight tests in 2023 and a suborbital test, not part of the budget, to fly in 2025.

More broadly, the Commission is aiming at a 50% reduction in launch costs . . .

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