Sirius 1
A two-stage, methane and liquid oxygen small rocket sized for about 180 kg to a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit. A suborbital demonstrator is planned for 2027 and the first commercial flight for 2028.
Why it matters
Europe has few rockets sized for a single small satellite. Sirius 1 would give small-satellite owners a dedicated ride from French Guiana instead of sharing a larger rocket and its schedule.
How the technology works
The first stage carries nine STAR-1 engines and the second stage one. STAR-1 burns liquid methane with liquid oxygen, produces about 55 kN in vacuum, and is 3D printed in house by laser powder bed fusion.
The company says reusing the first stage could cut launch cost by up to 60 percent.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction