Tag: Germany
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ESA to Centralise Exploration Operations in Cologne With €20 Million Facility
The European Space Agency (ESA) said on Wednesday it will build a new €20 million facility at its European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, as part of a plan to bring all of its human and robotic exploration activities under one hub. The project will relocate part of the Human and Robotic Exploration directorate…
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The Exploration Company Acquires Germany’s Thrustworks to Boost Manufacturing Capacity
The Exploration Company has acquired German additive manufacturing firm Thrustworks, strengthening its production capabilities and broadening its commercial activities as it progresses toward the planned 2028 debut of its modular spacecraft, the company said on Monday. Thrustworks, founded in 2023, specialises in high-performance metal components for space and defence applications. The company provides end-to-end manufacturing…
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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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Germany’s Reflex Aerospace Raises €50 Million to Boost Satellite Production Amid Rising Defence Demand
Germany’s Reflex Aerospace said on Tuesday it had secured €50 million ($58.3 million) in a Series A funding round to expand its satellite manufacturing capacity as demand for both civil and defence applications rises across Europe. The funding round — led by investors Human Element, Alpine Space Ventures, Bayern Kapital, HTGF and Renovatio Financial Investments…
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FibreCoat and Lofith Composites Partner to Develop Lighter, Stronger Satellite Panel Material
Two European startups, Germany’s FibreCoat and Spain’s Lofith Composites, have teamed up to create a new composite material for satellite panels designed to be lighter, stronger, and more sustainable than conventional materials such as aluminum. The companies plan to demonstrate the thermoplastic composite in orbit next year aboard an undisclosed satellite, with a year-long test…
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Airbus Wins $2.5 Billion Contract for German Military Satellites
Airbus Defense and Space has secured a $2.5 billion contract from the German military to develop and deliver next-generation communications satellites, known as SATCOMBw 3, aimed at bolstering the Bundeswehr’s satellite communications system. Announced on July 4, the deal encompasses the development and deployment of two geostationary satellites, along with upgrades to the ground segment,…
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ArianeGroup prepares to ship Ariane 6 maiden flight rocket to Kourou
The combined Ariane 6 launcher task force, consisting of ESA, CNES, and ArianeGroup, has reported on the progress of Ariane 6, the steps to launch, and the beginning of stage shipments to the launch site. The Canopée ship, which Ariane and ESA use to transport the massive rocket, will collect the first and second stages…
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RFA reveals second stage and updates test path to 2023 launch
Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has revealed the second stage for its upcoming RFA ONE rocket. The company’s tweet showed a second stage, integrated with a Helix engine. This engine will power both the first and second stages. NASASpaceflight spoke to RFA about the reveal and RFA’s test campaign for the second stage pathfinder. The company…
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Rocket Factory Augsburg talks reusability plans and 3D printing
In a recent interview with NASASpaceflight, Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) co-founder and COO Dr. Stefan Brieschenk talked about current manufacturing methods and upcoming plans for its RFA ONE rocket. Rocket Factory Augsburg is a German launch startup, based in the city of Augsburg. With the ultimate goal of building rockets like cars, the RFA ONE…
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Rocket Lab launches communications satellite for OHB
An Electron launcher lifts off Wednesday from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1A in New Zealand. Credit: Rocket Lab A mysterious small satellite built by the German company OHB, purported to be a pathfinder for a Chinese-owned communications constellation, took off from New Zealand Wednesday and soared into orbit on top of a Rocket Lab Electron…