European Spaceflight
• Andrew Parsonson
Germany’s DLR is preparing to launch the MAPHEUS-17 suborbital research mission from Esrange Space Center in Sweden as early as Oct. 1. The flight will support DLR’s ongoing use of suborbital missions for scientific and technology research, although no further payload or schedule details were provided.
Europe
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Germany’s DLR is preparing to launch the MAPHEUS-17 suborbital research mission from Esrange Space Center in Sweden as early as Oct. 1. The flight will support DLR’s ongoing use of suborbital missions for scientific and technology research, although no further payload or schedule details were provided.
NATO’s top commander, U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, joined a virtual briefing for Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby on potential approaches to reviewing U.S. troop deployments and broader defense engagement in Europe. The discussion signals an active assessment of the U.S. military posture on the continent.
A European-designed spacesuit prototype has undergone testing aboard the International Space Station, with ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot saying the system remains at the beginning of its development journey. The evaluation is identifying design issues that must be resolved before the suit can advance toward operational use.
The UK’s official climate advisers say expanding Heathrow is incompatible with the country’s climate goals unless emissions-reduction technologies materialize. If those technologies fail to emerge, the government may need to manage passenger demand—potentially challenging the airport’s growth case and future capacity planning.
GOL Linhas Aéreas launched its first long-haul route to Europe on Sept. 16-17, 2026, connecting Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro International. The service uses A330-200 EC-MAJ, wet-leased from fellow Abra Group carrier Wamos Air, according to ADS-B data.
South Korean F-35A and French Rafale fighters conducted a three-day joint aerial exercise at Cheongju air base, about 110 kilometers south of Seoul. The drill marked the first resumption of joint aerial exercises between the two countries in three years.
High activity
Finland has received its first two F-35A fighters at Rovaniemi, beginning the domestic phase of a program targeting full operational capability by 2030. The milestone comes as Germany’s first aircraft rolls off the line and Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway expand cooperation on aircraft, weapons, maintenance and personnel.
Latvia will purchase Czech-made Morana 155 mm self-propelled howitzers after reversing an earlier decision to acquire the rival Archer artillery system from Sweden’s BAE Systems Bofors. The choice shifts a European defense procurement toward the Czech supplier and away from a Swedish offer.
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