ESA Awards Study Contracts for Space Station

Consortia led by Airbus & OHB to study post-ISS options

ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot and NASA astronaut Jessica Meir successfully completed US EVA-99 at 21:29 CEST on Sept. 1. It was Sophie’s third spacewalk, and the 33rd conducted by a European astronaut. Credit: ESA/NASA

Part 4 of TBD

The European Space Agency has selected consortia led by Airbus Defence and Space and OHB to conduct a pair of Pre-Phase A studies on the development of a European-led space station that would fly after the International Space Station (ISS) is retired in 2030.

The studies will examine the development of a modular space station in low Earth orbit (LEO) in cooperation with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and other partners. ESA did not disclose the value of the contracts or the other members of the consortia.

“The objective of this activity is to perform two parallel Pre-Phase A system studies for the Post-ISS Scenario 3, engaging European industries expertise after an ESA-internal Concurrent Engineering cycle. The Post ISS Scenario 3 represents a strategically distinct option in which Europe leads the development of a modular, multi-partner Outpost in LEO,” the procurement description said.

“This scenario functions both as a long term autonomy instrument and as a risk mitigation path. The proposed Pre-Phase A…will mature the Scenario 3 Outpost concept to a level enabling ESA decision-making for the Post-ISS transition,” the document added.

In addition to an independent station, ESA is exploring two alternative scenarios for post-ISS operations in LEO. Both options involve sending astronauts to commercial space stations being developed in the United States by Axiom Space, Blue Origin, Vast Space and Voyager Technologies.

Under one scenario, ESA would rely entirely on American companies for access to the stations. A second, more expensive option involves contributing European hardware elements to one or more of the facilities.

ESA has signed memoranda of understanding with the four companies to explore use of the stations for astronaut missions, scientific research, technology demonstrations, and future visits by European crew and cargo vehicles.

During the recent International Space Summit in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an independent European crew vehicle to begin flying by 2036.

“We want Europe to assert its ambition in crewed spaceflight. Our European space program remains fragile and we must step up our efforts….In 10 years’ time, I want to see the first European crewed capsule take off from Kourou with European astronauts and those from other nations on board,” Macron said.

During the summit, ESA’s 23 member nations released a declaration that called for a significant increase in spending, including the development of a crew vehicle. ESA staff was tasked with developing options for review during the Intermediate Ministerial Meeting in December.

“As the ISS approaches its end of life, a new ecosystem is emerging that will be collaborative but also commercial and competitive,” the declaration said. “Europe needs sustained access to this environment. Developing a competitive European capability to transport astronauts would be a further decisive step to strengthen our technological and industrial base, secure access and position Europe as a central actor shaping opportunities in orbit.”

The Exploration Company is developing the Nyx cargo ship to supply ISS and future space stations. ESA recently awarded the company a contract worth €760 million [US $882.3 million] for resupply missions. Nyx is scheduled to fly to ISS in 2028. The Exploration Company has plans to upgrade Nyx to carry astronauts into orbit.

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