In a statement released Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Nigrán-based UARX Space detailed the final integration phase of its first Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV), named OSSIE. After operating in a “stealth” development mode, the company has transitioned to a fully operational logistics provider, supported by a Technology Readiness Level 9 (TRL9) flight heritage for its separation systems.
The company is currently preparing for a maiden flight in 2026, which will serve as a critical demonstration of European sovereign in-space transportation capabilities.
OTV Platform Architecture and Specifications
The OSSIE OTV is designed to provide high-reliability cargo and deployment services from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to the Moon and beyond. Key technical features include:
- Propulsion: Integrated SatDrive green propulsion system provided by Dawn Aerospace.
- Refueling Interface: The first OTV globally to carry the Dawn Aerospace Docking and Fluidic Transfer (DFT) Port, enabling future in-orbit refueling and life-extension missions.
- Avionics: Utilization of the cPCI Serial Space open standard for high-reliability interoperability.
- Separation Systems: Integration of the flight-proven SAU&RON separation rings, which have been officially listed in international space catalogs following successful qualification.
Strategic Recognition and Context
UARX Space has secured significant institutional support, having been named an ESA Rising Star in November 2025. The company’s focus on vertical integration and sovereign European manufacturing led to a dual-use certification from the Spanish Ministry of Defense, qualifying the platform for both civil and national security missions. This positioning addresses the “Sovereign-Commercial Nexus” trend, providing an independent alternative for satellite deployment that reduces European dependency on non-continental launch and logistics providers.
Timeline for 2026 Launch
The integration of the OSSIE flight model is currently underway, with the power subsystem provided by DHV Technology successfully integrated in late 2025. UARX Space is targeting a launch window in early 2026 for the first orbital demonstration. This mission will initially validate the structural version of the DFT docking interface and the performance of the SAU&RON deployers in a high-density configuration, paving the way for regular logistics tranches and future lunar delivery services.
