French Startup Latitude Aims to Industrialize Zephyr Rocket Production

French launch startup Latitude has announced ambitious plans to industrialize production of its Zephyr rocket, targeting up to 50 units annually. The company secured a strategic site south of Reims, previously home to AstraZeneca, to support its expansion. By investing over €50 million ($58 million), Latitude aims to accelerate production while maintaining controlled growth.
The Zephyr rocket, set for its inaugural launch in 2026 from the Guiana Space Centre, is designed for high launch cadence. Latitude has already secured key contracts, including a strategic mission for the European Defence Fund and a CNES agreement for microgravity demonstrations.
This expansion underscores Latitude's commitment to meeting growing demand in the competitive space industry. The company's focus on scalable production and timely execution positions it as a notable player in Europe's reusable rocket development efforts.

Published: 7/4/2025