Charting a sustainable path forward

The Pathfinder activity seeks to create a credible and sustainable roadmap for developing a very heavy reusable launcher based on a consolidated business case. Its primary focus is to answer two important questions: what industrial efforts and technological risks are needed to achieve this, and how these can be managed sustainably within Europe through a balanced public-private approach?

To answer these questions, the activity is structured around five interrelated tasks:

1. Consolidate use-cases and mission requirements, ensuring the system aligns with Europe’s strategic goals, including autonomy in space exploration and the deployment of large infrastructure into LEO.
2. A reference design will then be developed as a baseline framework for the launch system technical capabilities.
3. A technology and risk assessment will identify the technological needs, gaps and risks involved in creating such a system, guiding research priorities and reducing uncertainties.
4. Business cases and plans will be elaborated based on consolidated public-private risk-sharing models to distribute financial and operational responsibilities between institutional and commercial stakeholders.
5. Produce a comprehensive data package, including technical and programmatic information including risks, opportunities, planning and costs at completion to support informed decision-making.

The outcome of the activity will provide a comprehensive implementation plan covering the full scope of the very heavy reusable launch system, including infrastructure needs such as launch and landing facilities and industrial organisation.

“We rely on the collaboration of both established, legacy industry leaders and emerging players to achieve the perfect balance of proven expertise and fresh innovation, essential for the success of these activities,” adds Toni Tolker-Nielsen, ESA’s Acting Director of Space Transportation.