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Space Rider

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space23 days ago•72 min saved

Space Rider inches closer to first flight with heat tests and drop studies

ESA’s Space Rider, Europe’s first reusable orbital vehicle, is moving toward its first flight after validating its thermal protection system in a plasma wind tunnel at about 1,600 C and building a full‑size drop test model to practice a precise runway-style landing with a steerable parafoil. The helicopter drop tests planned over Sardinia will simulate the final descent phase and assess debris damage resilience, marking a shift from component tests to mission-level simulation as Europe gears up for unmanned microgravity experiments in low Earth orbit before returning payloads to Earth.

via Space|

#esa #reentry-heat-protection #reusable-spacecraft

space2 years ago•9 min saved

ESA's Space Rider Set for 2025 Launch, Confirms Program Manager

The European Space Agency's (ESA) Space Rider program has entered its validation and testing phase, with a planned maiden flight in the third quarter of 2025. Space Rider is a reusable uncrewed robotic laboratory that aims to provide affordable and independent access to space for commercial customers. It will transport payloads to various orbital altitudes and inclinations, allowing for technology demonstrations and science experiments. After spending two months in orbit, Space Rider will autonomously land on Earth with a precision of 150 meters. The program has faced delays due to funding and the need to comply with the Geo-return mechanism. Despite the setbacks, there is significant interest in Space Rider, with over 40 applications received for the first flight.

via NASASpaceflight.com|

#autonomous-landing #esa #launch-delay

space-technology2 years ago•2 min saved

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.

via European Space Agency|

#drop-tests #landing-system #reusable-space-vehicle