Loft Orbital Secures Future Slots on MaiaSpace Propulsion Systems
Loft Orbital has signed a Multi-Launch Agreement with French launch provider MaiaSpace, securing several missions aboard the Maia reusable rocket starting in 2026.
Strategic Orbital Access
French launch provider MaiaSpace has secured a Multi-Launch Agreement (MLA) with Loft Orbital, marking a critical step for European commercial orbital logistics. According to European Spaceflight, the agreement confirms multiple launches for Loft Orbital’s modular spacecraft platforms, beginning in 2026.
Hardware Specifications
Loft Orbital operates by consolidating various customer payloads onto standardized satellite buses, effectively functioning as a space infrastructure service. To deploy these assets, the company will utilize the Maia rocket, a partially reusable launch vehicle currently under development by MaiaSpace—a subsidiary of ArianeGroup. The Maia vehicle leverages the Prometheus engine, a liquid oxygen and methane propulsion system designed for low-cost, high-cadence operations.
Mission Timeline
The inaugural mission under this contract is slated for late 2026. While specific payload details remain classified, the deal illustrates a growing trend of European space startups opting for domestic launch solutions. This agreement follows a similar 2023 memorandum of understanding between the two firms, cementing their partnership as MaiaSpace nears its initial flight tests at the Guiana Space Centre.
By securing these slots, Loft Orbital ensures its "space infrastructure as a service" model remains operational despite a tightening global launch market. For MaiaSpace, the contract provides a solid commercial backlog to support the scaling of its reusable rocket technology.