Tag: reusable spacecraft
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SpaceX Debuts Starfall Reentry Vehicle for Microgravity Research and In-Space Manufacturing
SpaceX has conducted the first demonstration flight of Starfall, a new reentry spacecraft designed to support microgravity research, in-space manufacturing, and the return of payloads from orbit. The Starfall demonstration mission launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Tuesday, marking the first public flight of the vehicle.…
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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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Dawn Aerospace Raises $25 Million to Accelerate Spaceplane and In-Orbit Refueling Programs
Dawn Aerospace has secured $25 million in Series B funding at a post-money valuation of $195 million, providing fresh capital to accelerate development of its Aurora spaceplane and advance plans for in-orbit satellite refueling services. The New Zealand-Dutch space transportation company said the funding round was led by Balerion Space Ventures, with participation from investors…
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TEC Nyx Spacecraft Completes Parachute Recovery Milestone
How close is Europe’s Nyx spacecraft to operational cargo flights? The Exploration Company (TEC) has successfully advanced parachute recovery testing for its Nyx reusable cargo spacecraft, marking a critical milestone toward the vehicle’s planned 2027 operational flights to the International Space Station. The European startup completed high-altitude drop tests validating the parachute deployment sequence that…
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Exploration Company Tests Nyx Capsule Splashdown Ahead of ISS Cargo Plans
European space logistics startup The Exploration Company has completed a controlled splashdown test of a scaled prototype of its Nyx reusable spacecraft, marking a key step toward its planned cargo missions to low Earth orbit. Founded in 2021, the company is developing Nyx as a reusable capsule designed initially to transport cargo to and from…
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Dream Chaser Completes Key Pre-Flight Tests Ahead of 2026 Orbital Debut
one: the spacecraft demonstrated real-time command and control through NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS), successfully receiving telemetry and distributing commands between Mission Control in Louisville, Colorado, and the spacecraft. The company concluded the campaign with a post-landing recovery rehearsal, testing procedures for vehicle safing and rapid access to sensitive payloads immediately after…