The European Space Agency (ESA) is providing a combined 44.22 million euros ($46.7 million) to four launch vehicle startups—HyImpulse, Isar Aerospace, Orbex, and Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA)—to assist with testing their vehicles.

This funding, through ESA’s “Boost!” program, supports integrated testing as the companies work towards their first launches.

Isar Aerospace received 15 million euros for testing its Spectrum small launch vehicle, while Orbex received 5.6 million euros for its Orbex Prime vehicle, expected to launch in 2025.

HyImpulse will use 11.8 million euros for its SL1 orbital vehicle, and RFA will use the same amount to complete and test a new first stage for its RFA ONE rocket, Space News has reported.

ESA’s support highlights Europe’s efforts to improve space access amid concerns over reliance on foreign providers like SpaceX.

Written by B.C. Begley