France’s ‘Orbital Baguette One’ Rocket Blasts Off with a Star Wars Nod
France Launches "Orbital Baguette One" in Playful Yet Ambitious Space Bid
By Kevin Adjei-Darko
Updated: 15:20 BST, 18 July 2025
[Image 1: Artistic rendering of Orbital Baguette One on a launchpad. Caption: The hybrid propulsion rocket uses recycled materials and aims to slash satellite launch costs.]
France has embraced its culinary heritage to join the space race with a rocket named Orbital Baguette One—a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the nation’s iconic bread and Star Wars. The OB-1 abbreviation cheekily nods to Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, blending gastronomy and galactic ambition.
Developed by startup HyPrSpace and backed by President Emmanuel Macron, the reusable rocket promises affordable, eco-friendly satellite launches. Dubbed a “taxi” for small satellites, it targets costs as low as €20,000 per kilogram—half the industry standard.
Revolutionary Tech with a French Flair
The rocket’s “hybrid propulsion” system merges liquid and solid propellants, partially made from recycled plastic, and uses helium pressurization to cut expenses. A suborbital test launch is planned from a French military base, marking the country’s first mainland rocket launch.
[Image 2: President Macron at a press conference. Caption: Macron’s government has pledged €35 million, with €400 million more pending successful launches.]
Despite its whimsical name, the project has serious funding: €35 million from the French government, plus potential additional grants. Defense bases in southwestern France and Provence will host launches, signaling national commitment.
Market Ambitions
With over 26,000 satellites expected by 2032, HyPrSpace aims to carve a niche in the booming microlauncher market. Co-founder Sylvain Bataillard emphasized balancing professionalism with humor: “We wanted to be serious but not sinister.”
[Image 3: AI-generated baguette rocket illustration. Caption: TV hosts struggled to keep straight faces during the rocket’s reveal.]
French media faced challenges reporting the story without laughter, especially after airing AI images of a baguette-shaped rocket. Yet, experts aren’t scoffing—France’s entry could disrupt SpaceX-dominated markets.
While OB-1’s name delights pop culture fans, Macron’s bet reflects a strategic push to revive Europe’s lagging space sector. As global demand for satellite launches soars, France hopes its carb-themed spacecraft will rise to the occasion—crust and all.
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