ESA investigates potential future European-led orbital outpost

3 min read · reported by ESA

As part of the preparation for the end of utilisation of the International Space Station (ISS), the European Space Agency (ESA) awarded a contract to two European industrial consortia to conduct preliminary studies assessing the feasibility to develop a future European-led orbital outpost. These studies are part of the options currently explored by ESA for the post-ISS era, building on Europe's industrial capabilities and expertise in human spaceflight.

ESA is taking a further step in preparing Europe's future in low Earth orbit (LEO) through two parallel industrial studies exploring the feasibility of a European-led orbital outpost in the post-ISS era. The European-led outpost represents one of several options being investigated by ESA's Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration to prepare Europe's future in low Earth orbit, alongside potential cooperation with future commercial orbital destinations.

"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,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration. “In this regard, we are exploring different options to ensure Europe's continued presence and role in low Earth orbit. These studies will help us assess how European industry could take a key role in developing the next generation of orbital infrastructure, building on our industrial strengths and opening new opportunities for international cooperation."

The studies, conducted by two European industrial consortia led respectively by Airbus Defence and Space (Germany) and OHB (Germany) and involving six additional industrial and institutional entities, will assess the technical and programmatic feasibility of developing and operating an orbital outpost capable of supporting human spaceflight, scientific research and technology development.

The initiative builds on Europe's longstanding participation in the Space Station programme and aims to prepare the next generation of European human space exploration capabilities, while remaining open to cooperation with international institutional and commercial partners.

Building on European industrial competences

Europe has developed extensive expertise in human-rated space infrastructure through its contributions to the Space Station, including the Columbus laboratory or the European Service Module for NASA's Orion spacecraft which powers astronauts back to the Moon.

Industries located in ESA Member States are also developing new capabilities in orbital transportation, habitation, life support, robotics and in-orbit servicing, providing a strong foundation for future human spaceflight activities.

The two Pre-Phase A studies will build on these competences to investigate potential architectures for a European-led orbital outpost, including its infrastructure, supporting transportation and operational services. They will also identify the technologies, industrial capabilities, and partnerships required to support the development and sustainable operation of such an infrastructure.

The European-led outpost concept would provide opportunities for Europe to assume a greater role in the development and operation of LEO Exploration assets. It would also support the development of European capabilities relevant to future exploration missions beyond the LEO frontier.

The two industrial studies, initiated in June 2026 under ESA's European Exploration Envelope Programme, will run for approximately nine months.

Through these preparatory activities, ESA is working with European industry to establish the technological, industrial and programmatic foundations for Europe's future role in human space exploration, hence preparing potential future programmatic decisions by the ESA Member States.

Thank you for liking

You have already liked this page, you can only like it once!

Published by the European Space Agency. View the original →