Europe Just Unveiled a Serious Rival to SpaceX’s Starship

DLR analyzed SpaceX Starship flight data and performance to evaluate the vehicle’s heavy-lift potential.

The study proposes RLV C5, a European launcher that could deliver more than 70 tonnes to orbit.

RLV C5 uses a winged reusable booster with an expendable upper stage, aiming for efficiency over full reusability.

The concept could give Europe a credible Starship alternative and influence future launch architecture and cost tradeoffs.