Horizon Europe project

SALTO - reuSable strAtegic space Launcher Technologies & Operations

The SALTO aims to raise the maturity level of the first European reusable rocket technology, significantly reduce launch costs, ensure improvements in the environmental footprint and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in strategic space missions.

SALTO project will test vertical landing of a reusable launcher stage prototype

SALTO will perform, for the first time in Europe, fly / recover / re-fly cycles of a reusable rocket first-stage demonstrator.

The SALTO project aims to validate the landing phase, which is particularly complex but essential in order to be able to recover a launcher. Test campaigns will be conducted in Kiruna, Sweden.

Reusability test facility at Esrange Space Center

The Esrange Space Center is located in the very north of Sweden, above the Arctic Circle (68°N, 21°E), 40 km East from the town Kiruna. On January 13, the new launch complex and dedicated testing area were allocated for the SALTO hop test campaigns.

Experience Europe’s first reusable rocket demonstrator hop test in 3D

The Horizon Europe project SALTO has launched a new 3D virtual experience, now available online. This interactive tool offers a clear, engaging look at the upcoming hop test at Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, Sweden—Europe’s first fly / recover / re-fly demonstration of a reusable rocket first stage. Designed for everyone interested in seeing the main steps of the hop test preparation, the experience presents key moments in the preparation, launch and landing process.

The Horizon Europe project SALTO brings together an innovative European consortium of 25 partners and 1 affiliated entity, involving Large System integrators, research institutes and start-ups/SMEs from 12 Member States.