Rocket Factory Augsburg wins ESA launcher contract

(SpaceEnergy) Rocket Factory Augsburg has signed a European Space Agency contract supporting development of its RFA ONE Block 2 launch vehicle, ground infrastructure and preparations for serial production.

The German launch company is one of the providers advancing to the second procurement phase of ESA’s European Launcher Challenge. The contract is scheduled to run through mid-2029.

Rocket Factory Augsburg said the work will focus on further development of RFA ONE Block 2, expanding launch infrastructure and establishing capabilities required for scalable production and regular launches from European spaceports.

The company’s RFA ONE uses its internally developed Helix propulsion system. OHB, which is a strategic investor in Rocket Factory Augsburg, said the agreement represents a step toward greater technological maturity and industrialisation of the launch system.

The contract follows ESA’s selection of Rocket Factory Augsburg as one of five European Launcher Challenge finalists in July 2025. Germany’s Isar Aerospace separately announced an approximately €200m commitment under the same programme on 27 August.