The five companies ESA selected are Isar Aerospace, MaiaSpace, Rocket Factory Augsburg, PLD Space, and Orbex. Only one of these companies, Isar Aerospace, has attempted to launch a rocket into orbit.

The Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule of the Artemis I mission in 2022 stands tall during one of its launch attempts. According to a proposed budget, the rocket and capsule will retire ...