Dassault Aviation has chosen Spanish startup Arkadia Space to develop and supply the complete propulsion system for its VORTEX-D subscale demonstrator, part of the VORTEX reusable spaceplane program.
The contract, announced by Arkadia on April 21, 2026, includes a full reaction control system (RCS) centered on the company’s 250-newton ARIEL monopropellant thrusters, along with propellant tanks and control electronics. This system will manage precision maneuvering during high-altitude and orbital phases, where accurate attitude control and reliability are essential for hypersonic re-entry.
The ARIEL thrusters employ high-concentration hydrogen peroxide as a green propellant, offering reduced toxicity and operational complexity compared to traditional options. Developed under the European Space Agency’s Future Launchers Preparatory Program, the 250N ARIEL marks its second commercial selection in under two years.
The deal incorporates Spanish industry into the VORTEX program, which now spans France, Germany, and Spain under Dassault’s leadership. Dassault CEO Éric Trappier has cited this multinational approach as a preferred model for collaborative efforts like the FCAS program.