Tag: European Space Agency
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ESA Chief Calls for Independent European Human Spaceflight Capability
European Space Agency Director General Josef Aschbacher has called for Europe to establish its own independent human spaceflight capability, arguing that the continent has become overly dependent on decisions made by foreign partners. In an opinion article published on May 18, Aschbacher said recent changes to the United States’ Artemis programme architecture and Europe’s reduced…
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Edge Aerospace Wins ESA Contract to Study Orbital Data Centers
Luxembourg-based startup Edge Aerospace has secured a contract under the European Space Agency’s Space Cloud program to examine the feasibility of orbital data centers, as Europe explores new approaches to in-space computing. Under the agreement, Edge Aerospace will develop an architectural framework and use-case roadmap for orbital computing platforms. The study will evaluate the commercial…
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European Space Startups Attract €1.4 Billion As Private Capital Gains Confidence
Private capital markets in Europe are showing increasing confidence in space-sector startups, even as structural challenges remain, according to a new report by the European Space Policy Institute. In its annual “Space Venture 2025” report, ESPI said European space ventures secured €1.4 billion in private investment last year, representing an 8% decline year-on-year. However, venture…
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ESA Member States Seek Cancellation of Mars Earth Return Orbiter
Member states of the European Space Agency have called for the cancellation of the Earth Return Orbiter, a central component of the joint Mars Sample Return programme with NASA. The Earth Return Orbiter was intended to capture Martian samples launched into orbit and transport them back to Earth. ESA had awarded Airbus Defence and Space…
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Ramon.Space Plans Orbital Data Center Prototype Launch With Ingrasys
Ramon.Space is preparing to launch a prototype orbital data center in collaboration with Ingrasys, targeting a first demonstration mission as early as 2026. The initiative marks a new step in the emerging race to deploy computing infrastructure in space, with the companies aiming to build scalable in-orbit data processing capabilities by the end of the…
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ESA Calls on SMEs to Design Fully Reusable Spaceplane Launch System
European Space Agency has issued a call for proposals to design a fully reusable and responsive launch system based on spaceplanes, targeting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) rather than established prime contractors. The call, published on 27 February, seeks proposals for at least two distinct design concepts that could demonstrate how lift-generating spaceplanes might provide…
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ESA Seeks Proposals for Studies on European-Led Modular Space Station in Low Earth Orbit
The European Space Agency (ESA) has issued a call for tenders to conduct studies exploring the feasibility of a European-led, modular space station in low Earth orbit as the International Space Station approaches retirement. NASA announced in January 2022 that the ISS is expected to be decommissioned and deorbited in the first quarter of 2031…
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Arianespace Launches Ariane 64 on Inaugural Flight Carrying Amazon Satellites
Europe’s new heavy-lift rocket, Ariane 64, completed its inaugural launch successfully, signaling a major step in the continent’s effort to strengthen independent access to space while entering the global commercial launch market. Operated by Arianespace, the four-booster variant of the Ariane 6 family lifted off from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana, carrying 32 satellites for…
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Skyrora Eyes Orbex Assets Including Scottish Spaceport After Rival’s Financial Troubles
British rocket developer Skyrora said on Thursday it is considering acquiring selected assets from rival Orbex, including a planned spaceport in northern Scotland, after the smaller launch company disclosed financial difficulties. Skyrora, headquartered in Glasgow, said it intends to explore purchasing parts of Orbex’s business, notably the Sutherland Spaceport project on Scotland’s north coast, in…
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ESA Advances Aeolus-2 Weather Satellite with €70 Million Development Award
The European Space Agency (ESA) has approved the selection of a prime contractor for its Aeolus-2 weather satellite program and is preparing to issue an initial €70 million contract to begin the next phase of development, according to project officials. Aeolus-2 is intended as the operational successor to the original Aeolus mission, which was built…