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Future Launchers Preparatory Programme
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<p>The Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) is a technology development and maturation programme of the <a href="/facts/European_Space_Agency/L8YRNV0C">European Space Agency</a> (ESA). It develops technologies for the application in future European <a href="/facts/Launch_vehicle/g1GCGFJB">launch vehicles</a> and in upgrades to existing launch vehicles. By this it helps to reduce time, risk and cost of launcher development programmes. </p><p>Notable projects of FLPP include the <a href="/facts/Intermediate_eXperimental_Vehicle/lwSnkgWb">IXV</a> re-entry demonstrator that flew to space in 2015, the <a href="/facts/Vinci_(rocket_engine)/619Pf33Q"><i>Vinci</i> rocket engine</a> used on <a href="/facts/Ariane_6/4JJaWjfb"><i>Ariane</i> 6</a> since 2024, the future uncrewed reusable space plane <i><a href="/facts/Space_Rider/UuVWlHmk">Space Rider</a></i>, the <a href="/facts/Prometheus_(rocket_engine)/3pGY52Lu"><i>Prometheus</i></a> reusable rocket engine, and the <i><a href="/facts/Themis_programme/R14AvW0m">Themis</a></i> reusable rocket prototype. </p>