ESA Seeks Proposals for Reusable Super Heavy-Lift Rocket

The European Space Agency (ESA) has reissued a call for a study on developing a reusable super heavy-lift rocket capable of delivering 60 tonnes to low Earth orbit (LEO). Initially published and then removed in November due to premature release, the updated call emphasizes time and cost efficiency, lean management, and human-rating for crewed missions. The initiative aims to support European space exploration beyond LEO while addressing market opportunities, though references to mega-constellations were removed. Eligibility is limited to companies in Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, France, and Italy.