The European Space Agency ( ESA ) has earmarked microlaunchers as a means to build a competitive space industry in Europe . Microlaunchers carry small satellites up to 300 kg in weight , usually for commercial and experimental purposes . Through ESA 's Future Launchers Preparatory programme , funding was made available to develop five self - sustaining microlauncher proposals which do not rely on public funding . PLD ##SA , Deimos and Orbex , Avio , MT Aerospace , and ArianeGroup recently presented their feasibility studies at a workshop and launch event in Paris . ESA will now use the information to evolve its space programme and to agree on underpinning critical technologies .
The European Space Agency (ESA) has earmarked microlaunchers as a means to build a competitive space industry in Europe. Microlaunchers carry small satellites up to 350 kg in weight, usually for commercial and experimental purposes. Through ESA's Future Launchers Preparatory Programme, funding was made available to develop five self-sustaining microlauncher proposals which do not rely on public funding. PLD Space, Deimos and Orbex, Avio, MT Aerospace, and ArianeGroup recently presented their feasibility studies at a workshop and networking event in Paris. ESA will now use the information to evolve its space programme and to agree on underpinning critical technologies.