Contributing to the next generation of European launchers
In response to Europe’s growing need for autonomy in space accessibility, the European Space Agency (ESA) is driving the development and promotion of cutting-edge technologies aimed at setting new standards in the industry.
24. October 2025
Collaborative space design
Together with IDS (Ingegneria Dei Sistemi) and Cetena, VARD has been selected to design a European maritime platform dedicated to recovering launch vehicle stages that can be reused for future missions. This initiative is part of a broader ESA project focused on reusable space mobility, one of the most promising sectors in the space industry.
The maritime platform under development is a multipurpose drone vessel designed to retrieve rocket stages that land at sea after launch. These stages, which are typically lost or discarded, can now be recovered and reused, significantly improving the efficiency and sustainability of space missions. The vessel will be remotely operated and ultimately autonomous.
The project is part of a contract signed by ESA with Avio to develop and demonstrate reusable stages in flight, reinforcing the importance of sea-based recovery systems and the supporting infrastructure. The vessel can recover lower stages through vertical landing on a landing pad, and upper stages and fairing through horizontal landing in a net.
As part of the FINCANTIERI Group, VARD is proud to contribute to this forward-looking European project, reaffirming our commitment to innovation and sustainable solutions for the future.
