MaiaSpace, an affiliate of ArianeGroup, is a European space tech company focused on designing, manufacturing, and commercializing reusable launch solutions for small satellites. They are developing the Maia mini-launcher, a partially reusable two-stage rocket intended to provide competitive and flexible launch services to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO). MaiaSpace aims to offer eco-responsible space mobility solutions, with the first launch targeted for 2026. Key partners include Arkadia Space and Exotrail. Associated keywords: reusable launcher, small satellites, launch services, eco-responsible, ArianeGroup.
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MaiaSpace is developing a partially reusable two-stage rocket called Maia that can deliver payloads of up to 1,500 kilograms to low Earth orbit.
MaiaSpace is developing an optional kick stage that will increase the launch vehicle’s payload performance by as much as 1,000 kilograms.
MaiaSpace is a small launch services provider founded in 2022 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ArianeGroup.
MaiaSpace aims for the Maia rocket's demonstration flight to reach a minimum altitude of 100 kilometres.
Following the demonstration, MaiaSpace will commence commercial operations in 2027.
MaiaSpace plans to launch an initial suborbital demonstration flight in late 2026 to validate key elements of the Maia launch system.
MaiaSpace will gradually introduce reusability technologies during the first eight or nine orbital flights.
ArianeGroup proposed using boosters derived from the first stage of the small launch vehicle being developed by MaiaSpace.
ArianeGroup has proposed an evolution of its Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket that would utilize reusable boosters derived from the first stage of the rocket being developed by its subsidiary, MaiaSpace.
The SkyHopper project, responsible for upgrades to MaiaSpace's first stage for recovery and reuse, is funded by the French government.
ArianeGroup acts as prime contractor for the SkyHopper project, while MaiaSpace serves as subcontractor and launch operator.
The proposed evolution of Ariane 6 would use reusable boosters derived from a rocket being developed by MaiaSpace, a subsidiary of ArianeGroup.
MaiaSpace secured its first commercial launch contract with Exotrail for missions starting in 2027.
Arkadia won the contract to supply ARIEL as the thruster for the reaction control system of MaiaSpace.
France pledged €179 million to Maiaspace, and Spain pledged €169 million to PLD Space, supporting their local competitors.
Member states pledged €902.2 million as part of the European Launcher Challenge (ELC) to fund five launch companies: Germany's Isar Aerospace, Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), France's Maiaspace, Spain's PLD Space, and the UK's Orbex.
Germany also committed €4.2 million to Maiaspace, €1.8 million to Orbex, and €100,000 to PLD Space.
France, home to MaiaSpace, one of the finalists of the ELC, has not made public statements about its funding, but a French economic and financial newspaper reported that 1.7 billion euros have been allocated to launchers, including this program.
ESA shortlisted Isar Aerospace, Rocket Factory Augsburg, PLD Space, MaiaSpace, and Orbex in July 2025 for the next phase of the initiative.
Germany allocated €4.20 million to MaiaSpace for Maia in Component A and €100,000 in Component B.