ESA to Develop a LEO Cargo Return Service
Thales Alenia Space Selected as Prime Contractor
An ESA first phase contract worth €25 million (≈$32 million) to demonstrate a complete cargo delivery service to and from space stations in low-Earth orbit by 2028 has been awarded to Thales Alenia Space. The development of this LEO Cargo Return Service will be co-founded by Thales.
"Today, leveraging on its expertise in space exploration infrastructure and vehicles, the company, fully in line with the European Space Agency’s vision, wishes to invest in the development of technological solutions to give Europe a sustainable access to Low Earth Orbit."
Massimo Comparini, Thales
During this two-year phase contract (from June 2024 to June 2026), Thales Alenia Space, as the prime contractor, will develop the service through the consolidation of the business plan and the preliminary engagement of potential investors and customers. The company will also be responsible for the initial development of the spacecraft, focusing on requirements, architectures, technology maturation and de-risking activities.
During this Phase 1, the industrial team will be enlarged to include additional companies in order to capitalize on the existing know-how within the European space industry and to ensure the most efficient execution of the project. Phase 2 will cover the further development of the service and spacecraft, as well as the execution of the demonstration mission. This demonstration mission, which includes the delivery of pressurized cargo to the ISS and the safe return of the cargo back to Earth, is targeted by the end of 2028.
“Thales Alenia Space has played, in the recent past, a key role in enabling mankind's ambitions in Low Earth Orbit," said Massimo Comparini, Deputy CEO and Senior Executive VP, Observation, Exploration and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space. "Today, leveraging on its expertise in space exploration infrastructure and vehicles, the company, fully in line with the European Space Agency’s vision, wishes to invest in the development of technological solutions to give Europe a sustainable access to Low Earth Orbit."
This program comes at a time when the space exploration landscape is evolving rapidly, with a blend of institutional and commercial players embarking on missions to explore Low Earth Orbit, the Moon, and Mars. Thales Alenia Space aims to develop a competitive and flexible end-to-end commercial passenger and cargo transport service, raising the bar in terms of innovation and efficiency while reinforcing the company's role as a major player in the upcoming space economy.