Space Rider undergoes drop tests in phase D

The European Space Agency's reusable space vehicle, Space Rider, has entered phase D of development, which involves building and testing. Space Rider is an uncrewed robotic laboratory that can stay in orbit for two months. It consists of an orbital module and a reentry module. The review last month gave the go-ahead for building the spacecraft and conducting intensive tests. Space Rider uses a novel braking technique for landing and will undergo tests under various weather conditions. The landing gear design includes a wheel at the front and two skids at the back, allowing more room for experiments inside.