Europe has introduced a reusable rocket concept that may compete with SpaceX’s Starship. Researchers at the German Aerospace Center have outlined a partially reusable launch vehicle called RLV C5. This design aims to provide Europe with heavy-lift capability using a different approach from Starship.
Starship has already influenced industry thinking on heavy launches. In 2023 it lifted off with 33 engines, and during its fifth test the booster returned and was caught by tower arms. SpaceX intends for Starship to deliver over 100 metric tonnes to low Earth orbit while being fully reusable.
The DLR team reviewed videos from Starship’s early flights to create independent performance models. Their RLV C5 concept features a reusable winged booster from the SpaceLiner project paired with an expendable upper stage. It would burn liquid hydrogen and oxygen for greater efficiency.
Instead of vertical landing, the booster would glide back and be caught in flight by a large aircraft. This reduces the need to reserve landing fuel, increasing payload capacity. The study estimates RLV C5 could deliver more than 70 tonnes to orbit.
Starship’s current reusable version is projected to carry about 59 tonnes, with future upgrades reaching 115 tonnes. The RLV C5 would be lighter overall because it is only partially reusable, allowing a higher fraction of its mass to reach orbit as payload.
