The European Flight Ticket Initiative is now accepting additional European launch service providers, with a call for proposals closing on July 17, 2026, at 13:00 CEST. The European Space Agency, which jointly leads the initiative with the European Commission, launched a two-part call for proposals.

The Initiative aims to strengthen Europe's access to space. European launch service providers compete to deliver missions for In-orbit Demonstration and Validation (IOD/IOV) satellites, which test new space technologies in orbit. Companies that expect to be ready to launch before 2028 are encouraged to apply.

To participate, a launch service operator must first be awarded a framework contract, which allows a provider to compete for future missions. Avio, Isar Aerospace, PLD Space, and Rocket Factory Augsburg were selected in 2024 and currently hold framework contracts with the European Space Agency. Both existing providers and newly selected companies can submit bids for the missions.

The second part of the call focuses on assigning launch opportunities for the fifth batch of IOD/IOV satellite missions. Six missions shortlisted in a previous call are ready for launch. Three IOD/IOV missions are scheduled to fly on the Vega-C launch vehicle in 2026. Separately, two IOD/IOV missions are booked to fly on the Spectrum launch vehicle, with its first flight scheduled for 2025. Two additional missions are booked for the RFA One launch vehicle. The flight tickets are funded through the EU Horizon Europe programme and the European Space Agency's 'Boost!' programme.

Catherine Kavvada, a Director at the European Commission, stated, "The IOD/IOV programme, a joint initiative of the European Commission and ESA, has reached a stage where extending the Flight Ticket initiative to new launch service providers is both timely and beneficial." She added, "We expect this opportunity to attract companies developing launch capabilities in Europe, creating more flight opportunities for in-orbit demonstration and validation. This will support innovation, strengthen the European space ecosystem, and ultimately benefit EU citizens." Andrea Tullj, ESA launch service manager, said, "In addition to enhancing competition in the European market, the Flight Ticket Initiative is a showcase collaboration whereby the European Commission and ESA join forces to ensure autonomous and sustainable European access to space." He also stated, "By relying on both established and new space actors and providing them with IOD/IOV missions the Initiative is opening the market and providing opportunities for launch service providers."

Why It Matters

The opening of the European Flight Ticket Initiative to more launch service providers represents an expansion of opportunities within the European space sector. The initiative's objective to strengthen Europe's access to space involves facilitating access to orbit for In-orbit Demonstration and Validation satellites, which are critical for testing new space technologies. This expansion aims to support innovation and enhance the European space ecosystem by increasing competition in the launch services market. By relying on both established and new space actors, the Initiative provides opportunities for a broader range of launch service providers to secure missions. The call for proposals, closing in 2026, encourages companies with near-term launch capabilities to participate.