French Space Agency Launches Project DEMESURE: Reusable Upper Stage for Heavy-Lift Rockets

The French space agency, Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES), has taken a significant step forward in space transportation technology by issuing a call for proposals to develop a reusable upper stage for heavy-lift rockets. This innovative endeavor, known as Project DEMESURE, aims to revolutionize the industry by offering competitive advantages in an era of escalating launch capacity demands.

Understanding Project DEMESURE

Project DEMESURE stands for Démonstration Étage SUpérieur REutilisable, which translates to Reusable Upper Stage Demonstration. This initiative is one of nine Priority Innovation Vectors identified by CNES for space transportation. The project’s primary objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of recovering and reusing the upper stage of a launch vehicle, aiming to reduce costs and enhance efficiency in space launches.

Project Goals and Scope

The ultimate goal of Project DEMESURE is to develop a reusable upper stage capable of delivering 20 tonnes to low Earth orbit, a payload capacity equivalent to the Ariane 6 rocket. However, CNES plans to begin with a reduced-scale demonstration, adopting an incremental approach to systems development. This method allows for thorough testing and refinement of the technology before scaling up.

Current Development Phases

The first call for proposals, published on February 3, 2025, covers development phases 0 and A. These phases include completing a key system concept review, evaluating technical requirements, conducting cost estimations, and holding feasibility meetings. Proposals for this initial phase must be submitted by February 26, 2025.

Future phases (B through D) will focus on the definition and fabrication of the demonstrator. Phase E will involve the demonstration flight itself, including the recovery and reuse of the upper stage demonstrator.

Building on Past Successes

While Project DEMESURE is currently led by CNES, it can be seen as a natural successor to the Themis programme, which also originated within the French space agency. Insights from both projects could be pivotal in developing a fully reusable European alternative to the Ariane 6 rocket.

Why Reusable Upper Stages Matter

The development of reusable upper stages marks a significant evolution in aerospace technology. By recovering and reusing rocket components, space agencies and private companies can significantly reduce launch costs, making space exploration more accessible and sustainable. Moreover, this advancement could drive innovation in the space industry, propelling Europe to the forefront of space transportation technology.

The Path Forward

The success of Project DEMESURE hinges on the creativity and expertise of the teams who will develop the technologies required for a successful reusable upper stage. CNES’s call for proposals reflects their commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the European space community.

As this project moves forward, it will be crucial to monitor its progress and evaluate the potential impact of reusable upper stages on the future of space transportation and exploration. The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective system that can support growing demands for satellite launches and other space-based missions.

Conclusion

Project DEMESURE represents a significant milestone in the evolution of space transportation technology. By developing a reusable upper stage for heavy-lift rockets, CNES is paving the way for a more accessible and sustainable future in space exploration. As the project progresses, it promises to offer valuable insights and advancements that could revolutionize the space industry.

Follow our coverage of Project DEMESURE for updates on this groundbreaking initiative and the future of European space transportation.

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