The European Space Agency has awarded contracts to two industrial consortialed by Airbus Defence and Space and OHB to evaluate building a European-led orbital outpost.
With the International Space Station set to be decommissioned in 2030, ESA announced the two lead companies on 29 September.
Airbus and OHB Lead Parallel Feasibility Studies
These consortia involve six additional industrial and institutional partners involved in the studies, though the agency did not identify them. The two Pre-Phase A studies will build on European competences in orbital transportation, habitation, life support, robotics, and in-orbit servicing to investigate potential architectures for a European-led orbital outpost.
Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration, emphasized the importance of safeguarding European aerospace expertise as the international laboratory approaches its operational deadline.
“Europe has built world-class capabilities in human spaceflight through decades of international cooperation. We are now facing the opportunity to shape our collective future while safeguarding the excellency of our engineers and industry,”
Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration
Neuenschwander also noted that the agency is investigating to ensure collective readiness, offering the best possible options to member states and ensuring Europe’s future in low Earth orbit. Industries located in ESA Member States are developing new capabilities that provide a strong foundation for future human spaceflight activities.
Cost Constraints and Strategic Scenarios for Low Earth Orbit
The ongoing studies are examining three distinct pathways for Europe’s future presence in low Earth orbit. Under the first option, external commercial infrastructure would be the primary choice, whereas the second approach involves a minor European hardware contribution toward a commercial station venture. The third path envisions a space station spearheaded by Europe that welcomes international and commercial participants, forming the core objective of the analyses conducted by Airbus and OHB.
Based on a 29 September report from SpaceNews, the initial system’s development expenses would face a ceiling of €1 billion for each three-year funding block, restricting this development phase to a maximum of two periods.
Building on Existing European Space Heritage
Rather than starting afresh, engineering crews have received directives to use established European achievements in human spaceflight, which encompass the Columbus module on the ISS alongside the European Service Module manufactured by Airbus for NASA’s Orion vehicle.
During the 9 September International Space Summit held in Paris, member states backed a political initiative to enhance European space efforts, designating the preservation of Europe's post-ISS access and presence in low Earth orbit as one of three primary goals, alongside expanded participation in lunar exploration and preparation for future expeditions to Mars.
Decisions Awaiting the Rome Ministerial Meeting
While the industrial consortia examine architectural designs, transportation services, and operational logistics, the ultimate fate of a European-led station is unconfirmed. Member states may still opt not to pursue a European-led space station.