Tag: Europe
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Europe Urged to Set Roadmap for Space-Based Data Centres as Industry Opportunity Grows
Europe risks ceding leadership in a rapidly emerging industry unless it urgently develops a roadmap for placing data centres in orbit, according to a new report from the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI). The institute’s analysis concludes that space-based data centres could become a transformative sector for Europe’s digital and space industries, with the global…
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Germany’s Dcubed Plans Series of Demo Flights to Prove Printable In-Space Solar Array Technology
German space-hardware manufacturer Dcubed has outlined plans for three demonstration missions aimed at validating a new printable in-space solar array system designed to build low-cost power units directly in orbit. The technology, called Araqys, is intended to allow spacecraft operators to manufacture large solar structures on demand rather than rely on conventional, pre-integrated solar panels.…
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SpaceX Marks 500th Reused-Rocket Orbital Mission With Launch of EU Ocean-Mapping Satellite
SpaceX launched a European ocean-monitoring satellite from California early Monday, completing the company’s 500th orbital mission using a flight-proven rocket booster. The Sentinel-6B spacecraft lifted off atop a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 12:21 a.m. EST (0521 GMT). “Sentinel-6B rising, extending nearly four decades of the precise sea-level record from space,” NASA…
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SES Signs Deal for Europe’s First Commercial Satellite Life-Extension Mission
Satellite operator SES has signed an agreement with French startup Infinite Orbits for a life-extension mission involving one geostationary satellite, marking the first commercial satellite life-extension operation in Europe, the companies said on Thursday. The mission will use Endurance™, a 750kg servicing vehicle developed by Infinite Orbits to provide in-orbit support functions including station keeping,…
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Exploration Company Completes Debris-Shield Tests for Nyx Spacecraft Ahead of 2028 Debut
European space logistics startup The Exploration Company said it has completed the first test campaign of the micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) shielding for its Nyx spacecraft, a modular vehicle scheduled to make its debut in 2028. The tests were performed under the European Space Agency’s (ESA) LEO Cargo Return Services initiative, which is funding…
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SBQuantum Wins ESA Contract to Develop Enhanced Quantum Magnetometer for Earth Observation
SBQuantum has secured a new contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to deliver a next-generation prototype of its quantum diamond magnetometer for Earth observation missions, the Canadian company said. The agreement, valued at nearly $1 million, is funded through ESA’s FutureEO programme and follows an earlier contract in which SBQuantum produced a custom magnetometer…
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France’s U-Space Raises €24M to Scale Satellite Production and Expand Globally
French satellite manufacturer U-Space has raised €24 million ($27.8 million) in a Series A funding round to expand its satellite production capabilities and grow its international presence. The round was co-led by Blast, the French Armed Forces’ Definvest fund (managed by Bpifrance), and Expansion Aerospace & Defence Ventures, with additional participation from Primo Capital, Karot…
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ATMOS Space Cargo and Space Cargo Unlimited to Launch First Joint Orbital Reentry Mission in 2026
German startup ATMOS Space Cargo and Luxembourg-based Space Cargo Unlimited (SCU) have announced plans to launch their first collaborative orbital reentry mission in 2026, marking a key step toward building a European in-space manufacturing and research capability. The mission — the first of seven planned free-flying orbital research flights — will see ATMOS’ Phoenix 2…
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Sateliot Opens Europe’s First 5G Satellite Development Center in Barcelona
Barcelona-based telecommunications company Sateliot has inaugurated Europe’s first 5G satellite development center, marking a major step in the region’s space and connectivity ambitions. Located near Cerdà Square in the Catalan capital, the new facility is focused on developing a next-generation satellite system capable of connecting not just Internet of Things (IoT) devices, but also standard…
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Avio Secures Raytheon and Lockheed Martin as Key Customers for New U.S. Rocket Motor Plant
Italian rocket manufacturer Avio said on Monday that Raytheon and Lockheed Martin will be major customers for its planned solid rocket motor (SRM) plant in the United States. Under separate agreements, both defense contractors will have preferred access to a share of the plant’s production, Avio said. The company has not yet disclosed the plant’s…