The European Commission has awarded the SALTO (reuSable strAtegic space Launcher Technologies & Operations) contract to a consortium led by Arianegroup with a significant contribution from GTD SALTO aims in particular to validate the landing phase, which is essential for launcher recovery. This phase is highly complex and entails a real learning curve – by means of situational tests – to speed up European expertise in this technology. The SALTO project includes a full-scale demonstrator, which will carry out a number of low-altitude flights from the Kiruna site in Sweden. These tests are being prepared in synergy with ESA’s Themis reusable stage program GTD and its partners will develop a target vehicle that includes a number of technologies that will pave the way for demonstrations that simulate the high-energy trajectory of a real launch. This project is preparing key technological building blocks for the next generation of reusable and eco-friendly European launchers.
