First reusable US launcher set for European base at Andoya

Written by Copernical Team Sunday, 07 September 2025 06:47

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Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 07, 2025

In a move set to transform European space access, Astrobotic Technology and Andoya Space have signed a Term Sheet for a Launch Site Agreement that will bring reusable rocket operations to Norway starting in 2026. The deal, signed in August 2025, secures Andoya Space as a European base for Astrobotic's Xodiac rocket campaigns. The agreement outlines terms for multiple launch campaigns from

First reusable US launcher set for European base at Andoya
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 07, 2025

In a move set to transform European space access, Astrobotic Technology and Andoya Space have signed a Term Sheet for a Launch Site Agreement that will bring reusable rocket operations to Norway starting in 2026. The deal, signed in August 2025, secures Andoya Space as a European base for Astrobotic's Xodiac rocket campaigns.

The agreement outlines terms for multiple launch campaigns from Andoya, marking the first time Astrobotic will operate reusable launch systems from continental Europe. The facility at Andoya, developed as a modern launch hub, will host initial operations in 2026, enabling commercial and government customers to test and demonstrate new technologies with rapid turnaround.

Troels Sandreid, President of Andoya Spaceport, said partnering with Astrobotic will establish Andoya as a key European site for reusable rocket operations. "Partnering with Astrobotic brings launch reusability to Andoya for the first time, through reusable rocket operations, further establishing our spaceport as a key European site for innovative commercial space operations," he stated.

Astrobotic CEO John Thornton emphasized the significance of Xodiac's new base. "Xodiac's presence at Andoya represents a meaningful step toward delivering reliable, rapid, and cost-effective testing and demonstration capabilities to the European space market," he said. "By making a flight-proven, reusable rocket available to commercial and government partners, we're enabling customers to accelerate the development of space systems in a dedicated environment built for innovation. We're deploying the next generation of space systems that will take humanity further than ever before."

The collaboration also addresses European strategic priorities by enhancing autonomy, responsiveness, and rapid deployment potential. Security and compliance form a core element of the agreement, with both partners pledging adherence to regulatory frameworks, the Technical Safeguard Agreement, and Andoya Space governance.