Technology

Information on technological advancements in the European space industry, including new spacecraft, instruments, and innovations.

The Themis reusable rocket demonstrator takes shape as ArianeGroup completes a full-fit check, paving the way for an inaugural hope test in 2025.

Themis Reusable Rocket Takes Shape as ArianeGroup Completes Fit Check

ArianeGroup has brought the main elements of the Themis reusable booster demonstrator together for the first time during a "full-fit check." This milestone paves...
Thales Alenia Space completes the Orbit Insertion Module that will assist in returning the first samples from the surface of Mars back to Earth.

Thales Completes Key Element of Mars Sample Return Mission

Thales Alenia Space has completed the Orbit Insertion Module for the Earth Return Orbiter, which will ferry samples from the surface of Mars back...
The Exploration Company's Mission Possible capsule undergoing testing to simulate launcher release, validating critical onboard systems.

The Exploration Company Completes Key Testing Milestone for Mission Possible

The Exploration Company has completed a critical milestone in the development of its Mission Possible capsule, successfully simulating the mission's launcher release phase. Founded in...
Italy has kicked off its Selene initiative which aims to create small nuclear reactors for use on the surface of the Moon.

Italy Begins Development of Nuclear Reactor for Lunar Settlements

Italy's national space agency, ASI, has kicked off its Selene project, which aims to develop small nuclear fission reactors to power settlements on the...
Tractebel completes an ESA study exploring nuclear electric propulsion, aiming for a 2035 demo mission launch.

ESA Study Outlines 2035 Launch of Nuclear Propulsion Demonstrator

Brussels-based engineering firm Tractebel has completed a European Space Agency-commissioned study aimed at creating a roadmap towards the development of nuclear propulsion systems for...
ESA has revealed that the results of its European super heavy-lift rockets studies show that development is “possible in principle.”

ESA Releases Findings of Super Heavy-Lift Rocket Studies

The European Space Agency has revealed the findings of a pair of studies it commissioned to explore how Europe could develop a rocket capable...
The Exploration Company has completed initial testing of the thermal protection system that will be used aboard its Nyx Earth spacecraft.

The Exploration Company Tests Nyx Thermal Protection System

The Exploration Company has completed key testing of thermal protection materials that will be used in the thermal protection system of its Nyx Earth...
ArianeGroup has qualified the Ariane 6 upper stage for four-booster launches following acoustic testing, greenlighting the Ariane 64 variant’s debut in 2025.

ArianeGroup Qualifies Ariane 6 Upper Stage for Four-Booster Launches

ArianeGroup announced on 12 November that the Ariane 6 upper stage had passed a series of acoustic tests to qualify it for launches aboard...
POLARIS Spaceplanes completes the first in-flight ignition of its MIRA II demonstrator’s linear aerospike rocket engine.

POLARIS Spaceplanes Complete First In-Flight Rocket Engine Ignition

Germany’s POLARIS Spaceplanes has successfully completed the first in-flight ignition of its MIRA II demonstrator’s aerospike rocket engine. The five-metre-long MIRA II demonstrator is one...
Portugal's Santa Maria island has been selected as the landing site for the inaugural flight of ESA’s Space Rider vehicle, planned for 2027.

Santa Maria to be Landing Site of Inaugural Space Rider Flight

The Portuguese Space Agency announced 8 November that the island of Santa Maria has been chosen as the landing site for the inaugural flight...

Support independent European space news

Help European Spaceflight continue to go after stories that are too often overlooked. You can donate from as little as €1. Every cent goes to fueling our mission.