Tag: drop test
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Sierra Space Conducts High-Altitude Drop Test of Ghost Reentry Vehicle for 90-Minute Global Point Delivery
On October 11, 2026, defense logistics contractor Sierra Space demonstrated the flight recovery capabilities of its Ghost reentry vehicle during high-altitude drop tests conducted under U.S. Space Command’s Apollo Nexus exercise. Dropped from high-altitude balloons at 68,500 feet over the Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, the 10-ton test article successfully recovered its internal payload—comprising a…
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ESA Delays Space Rider Drop Test After Anomaly During Helicopter Ascent
The European Space Agency (ESA) has postponed a key drop test of its Space Rider reusable spaceplane after an anomaly occurred during a helicopter-assisted ascent phase in May, delaying the final stage of the vehicle’s landing qualification campaign. ESA confirmed that the incident took place during a two-week test campaign that concluded on May 8,…
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The Exploration Company Tests Nyx Capsule Ahead of 2028 Mission
How Did The Exploration Company’s Nyx Capsule Perform in Drop Tests? The Exploration Company successfully completed a drop test of its Nyx cargo capsule, validating critical parachute systems ahead of a planned 2028 orbital demonstration mission. The test represents a key milestone for the European space logistics startup as it races to capture cargo delivery…