Dassault Aviation is developing the VORTEX reusable orbital vehicle, designed for launch atop a rocket without a fairing, orbital operations, and runway landings like an aircraft. The project targets commercial, scientific, and military missions, including transport to space stations, payload delivery, in-orbit servicing, satellite retrieval, and pre-positioning of assets.
VORTEX follows a four-phase roadmap. Phase 1 centers on VORTEX-D, a 1:3-scale flight demonstrator to test hypersonic re-entry configuration and flight controls. Phase 2 introduces VORTEX-S, a 2:3-scale smart free flyer. Phases 3 and 4 cover full-scale VORTEX-C cargo and VORTEX-M manned variants, both with large payload bays and potential robotic arms for docking.
The French company has secured agreements with the European Space Agency and French Armed Forces for demonstrator development. Recently, it selected Spain’s Arkadia Space to supply the propulsion system for VORTEX-D, including 250-newton ARIEL monopropellant thrusters, propellant tanks, and control electronics for high-altitude maneuvering. Maiden flight of the demonstrator is targeted for 2028.
Dassault draws on prior experience, such as the IXV’s 2015 controlled re-entry, to enable low-g-force re-entry, atmospheric maneuverability, and rapid reusability. The design supports Europe’s push for independent space access amid growing orbital demands.