Launch

News and updates on satellite and spacecraft launches from Europe, including new launch vehicles and upcoming missions.

French launch startup HyPrSpace reaches a key milestone in the development of its Baguette One and Orbital Baguette One rockets.

HyPrSpace Achieves Key Milestone in Baguette One Rocket Development

French launch startup HyPrSpace has announced that it has completed preliminary design reviews (PDRs) for its Baguette One and Orbital Baguette One rockets. Founded in...
ESA has published a third iteration of its call for the development of a reusable rocket capable of delivering payloads of up to 60 tonnes to low Earth orbit.

Third Time’s the Charm? ESA Once Again Publishes 60T Rocket Study Call

The European Space Agency has published a third iteration of a proposed pathfinder study for the development of a European reusable super heavy-lift rocket...
After nearly two years of being grounded, Vega C returns to flight deploying the European Union’s Sentinel-1C Earth observation satellite.

Vega C Returns to Flight Deploying Sentinel-1C

After nearly two years of being grounded following a December 2022 failure, Europe’s Vega C light-lift rocket has resumed operational service. The rocket carried...
Orbex pauses Sutherland construction, shifting launches to SaxaVord to focus funding on developing its new medium-lift rocket, Proxima.

Orbex Abandons Sutherland for SaxaVord and Introduces New Rocket

Scotland-based rocket builder Orbex has announced that it will “pause” the construction of its Sutherland launch facility and shift its initial launch operations to...
The assembly of two P120 boosters for the second Ariane 6 flight has been completed. The rocket will carry the French CSO-3 spy satellite to orbit in early 2025.

Assembly of P120 Boosters for Next Ariane 6 Flight Completed

ArianeGroup has revealed that a pair of P120 solid-fuel boosters for the second flight of the company’s Ariane 6 rocket have been completed and...
ESA publishes an updated call for its reusable super heavy-lift rocket study initiative, only to remove it again.

ESA Publishes Updated Call for Reusable Super Heavy-Lift Rocket Initiative

The European Space Agency has published an updated call for a study to explore the development of a reusable super heavy-lift rocket capable of...
PLD Space has secured a €11 million loan to support the development of its Miura 5 launch complex at the Guiana Space Centre.

PLD Space Secures €11M Loan for Miura 5 Launch Complex

Spanish launch provider PLD Space has announced that it secured a €11 million loan to support the development of its Miura 5 launch complex...
Ariane 6 rocket stages arrive in French Guiana for a Q1 2025 launch, alongside an unexpected passenger—a helicopter for Helicojyp.

Ariane 6 Rocket Stages Arrive in Kourou with a Hitchhiker

The main and upper stages for the second flight of the Ariane 6 rocket have arrived in French Guiana ahead of its Q1 2025...
Scotland breaks ground on its third rocket launch site, Spaceport 1, set to become the “UK’s only dedicated commercial suborbital launch site” by 2025.

Scotland Breaks Ground on Third Rocket Launch Site

Scotland's Highlands and Islands Enterprise has announced that local contractor Macaulay Askernish has been selected to construct the enabling infrastructure for Spaceport 1 in...
CNES is moving to reopen the Guiana Space Centre’s ELFS sounding rocket launch complex after signing a contract with Opus Aerospace.

CNES to Once Again Launch Sounding Rockets from French Guiana

The French space agency, CNES, has announced plans to reopen the Guiana Space Centre’s sounding rocket launch complex. The agency has signed an agreement...

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