Sirius Space targets first micro-launcher flight by late 2027

French company Sirius Space Services aims to conduct its first flight of micro and mini-launchers between late 2027 and early 2028. Founder and CEO Antoine Fourcade stated that current testing provides hope for a flight as early as the end of next year.

Sirius Space is part of a competitive European effort to develop small reusable launchers to rival American technology. The company faces competition from MaiaSpace, an ArianeGroup subsidiary, which plans its first test flight in the second half of 2027.

Germany's Isar Aerospace has recently taken a lead in the sector by successfully placing a rocket into orbit from Norway, marking a milestone for a private European company. Fourcade noted that while German developers began their micro-launcher programs around 2018, French solutions began development between 2020 and 2022.