Spanish Propulsion Startup Wins Contract for Reusable Spaceplane
Arkadia Space’s Green Thruster Technology Selected for Dassault VORTEX-D Demonstrator Program
A contract to develop and supply the propulsion system for the Dassault Aviation VORTEX subscale demonstrator has been awarded to Arkadia, marking a critical step toward building a reusable European spaceplane capable of orbital flight and conventional runway landings.
“Being selected by a company like Dassault Aviation for such a strategic and ambitious program is a strong validation of Arkadia as a reliable propulsion partner.”
Francho García, Arkadia Space
Under the contract, the Spanish propulsion company will deliver a complete Reaction Control System (RCS) for the VORTEX-D vehicle — the first phase of the VORTEX program (Véhicule Orbital Réutilisable de Transport et d’Exploration). The system integrates Arkadia’s 250N ARIEL monopropellant thrusters, along with tanks and control electronics, and will handle precision maneuvering during the higher-altitude phases of the demonstrator’s flight.
The VORTEX-D demonstrator is designed to validate the core technologies required for the full-scale vehicle, which aims to operate in orbit and return to Earth under its own power — a capability that would place Europe among a select group of nations capable of independent, reusable space transportation.
The ARIEL 250N thruster at the center of the agreement was originally developed under the European Space Agency’s Future Launchers Preparatory Program (FLPP) beginning in mid-2023. From early in the development process, Arkadia designed the system with commercial applications in mind, seeking to address broader market needs beyond the institutional program.
That approach has produced early results. MaiaSpace, the launch vehicle subsidiary of Arianespace, previously selected the ARIEL 250N for its launcher’s reaction control system. The VORTEX-D contract marks the second major commercial win for the thruster, placing it at the intersection of two of Europe’s highest-priority space transportation programs: launch access and orbital vehicle development.
Arkadia’s propulsion systems rely on high-test hydrogen peroxide — a “green” alternative to the highly toxic propellants traditionally used in spacecraft — a distinction the company says improves mission safety and operational sustainability.
“This contract represents a major milestone for our team,” said Francho García, CEO and co-founder of Arkadia Space. “Being selected by a company like Dassault Aviation for such a strategic and ambitious program is a strong validation of Arkadia as a reliable propulsion partner. We look forward to building a long-term relationship and supporting the development of VORTEX, contributing to Europe’s future capability to transport cargo and astronauts to space.”
Founded in 2020 and based at Castellón Airport in Spain, Arkadia reached an important operational milestone in 2025 when its DARK propulsion system flew aboard a D-Orbit mission launched on a SpaceX rocket — making the company one of the first in Europe to validate hydrogen peroxide-based propulsion technology in orbit.
The company recently secured funding through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program, which will support the industrialization of its bipropellant technology. Arkadia also said it expects to announce additional commercial contracts in the coming months, with several missions linked to flights as early as next year.