German rocket startup Isar Aerospace has secured about €200 million ($233 million) from the European Space Agency (ESA), under its European Launcher Challenge, to develop future launch vehicles, expand testing and launch infrastructure, and support future missions. The award is the largest of three announced so far under a program backed by more than €900 million from ESA member states. The funding comes as European governments seek greater launch capacity and independent access to space for civil, commercial and defense missions, reducing reliance on SpaceX. Isar said it has met initial program milestones and has a launch manifest (scheduled missions) extending through 2028, including missions for ESA and other customers.