Story perspectives

Dassault, OHB Pitch VORTEX-S Spaceplane for ESA Cargo Return

5/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

On May 11, 2026, Dassault Aviation and OHB announced a VORTEX-S spaceplane proposal to ESA, with Dassault as prime architect and OHB designing the service module.
France’s DGA and CNES pledged €30 million, with Dassault selecting Arkadia Space in 2026 for VORTEX-D propulsion and roadmap starting with VORTEX-D flight in 2028 followed by VORTEX-S, VORTEX-C and VORTEX-M.
The proposal targets ESA’s ALADDIN cargo return service, with Phase 2 calls issued Jan 8, 2026 and evaluations due mid-2026.

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Story summary

On May 11, 2026, Dassault Aviation and OHB announced a VORTEX-S spaceplane proposal to ESA, with Dassault as prime architect and OHB designing the service module.
France’s DGA and CNES pledged €30 million, with Dassault selecting Arkadia Space in 2026 for VORTEX-D propulsion and roadmap starting with VORTEX-D flight in 2028 followed by VORTEX-S, VORTEX-C and VORTEX-M.
The proposal targets ESA’s ALADDIN cargo return service, with Phase 2 calls issued Jan 8, 2026 and evaluations due mid-2026.