Published
Video length: 3 min
Technology: a Norman start-up competes with rockets from the American SpaceX
The United States rules the satellite launcher market. In Vernon, a small town in Normandy, a start-up is developing the first reusable European rocket to compete with the American giant. – (France 2)
The United States rules the satellite launcher market. In Vernon, a small town in Normandy, a start-up is developing the first reusable European rocket to compete with the American giant.
On its test bench, the hummingbird reactor is already smoking. In the modest control room of the start-up MaiaSpace, in Vernon (Eure), tension is at its height. At the control desk, the average age is 26 years old. The hummingbird engine will take place at the top of the French start-up’s future rocket and will send satellites into space. The Americans from SpaceX have shaken up the costs of satellite launches with the development of the partially reusable rocket. The French start-up MaiaSpace is following the same trend and wishes to create the first reusable European launcher.
First flight in 18 months
Still to limit costs, MaiaSpace will equip its rocket with existing engines, supplied by Ariane Group. The rocket body still needs to be built with steel, which costs less than aluminum. The first test flight is planned in 18 months, a deadline imposed by competition from other start-ups in Europe.
