Verified Arkadia Space press release, 21 April 2026
What it does not test. Does not establish that VORTEX-D will fly or that the wider VORTEX programme will be funded to completion.
How this item counts. Towards autonomy: it changes who made the parts. Binding 2 of 3 (agreed or funded), scale 1 of 3 (small), Verified counts in full: weight +2 of 36 possible. Spanish Arkadia to supply VORTEX-D propulsion; parts autonomy within Franco-Spanish spaceplane effort. European Sovereignty Index