Dassault Aviation and OHB have announced a partnership to propose the VORTEX-S multipurpose spaceplane programme to the European Space Agency (ESA), marking a significant step toward developing autonomous European space transportation capability.

The proposed VORTEX-S platform is designed as a reusable spaceplane capable of transporting crews and cargo to space stations, while also supporting autonomous orbital free-flyer missions. The initiative will involve a wider consortium of European aerospace partners currently under discussion.

According to the companies, Dassault Aviation will serve as the prime architect and overall integrator of the VORTEX-S spaceplane, while OHB will lead development and integration of the service module. The collaboration is intended to combine Dassault Aviation’s aircraft design expertise with OHB’s established experience in orbital systems and space operations.

Éric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, said the proposal aims to reinforce Europe’s independent access to space and future mobility capabilities.

“With the VORTEX-S proposal to ESA, we aim to strengthen Europe’s space capabilities. Our German friends at OHB are natural partners to participate in this project, bringing their remarkable expertise,” Trappier said.

Marco Fuchs, CEO of OHB, described the programme as an ambitious initiative focused on advancing autonomous European space transportation.

“The partnership with Dassault Aviation is a perfect match: as family-owned high-tech companies, we share the same vision and bring complementary strengths to the development of a reusable spaceplane,” Fuchs stated.

The VORTEX-S concept reflects growing European interest in reusable orbital transport systems as governments and industry seek greater strategic autonomy in access to low Earth orbit, crew transport, and future commercial space operations.