The European Launcher Challenge (ELC) is a programme of the European Space Agency (ESA) aiming to support new European space launch capabilities by funding the development of small and medium orbital launch vehicles. Within ELC, the agency plans to select companies that will be awarded contracts for launch services in the period 2026-2030 (component A) and launch service capacity upgrade demonstrations (component B). ESA has allotted a maximum of €169 million per company.