ESA News

Space.com

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ESA’s Hera spacecraft resolves Didymos and Dimorphos ahead of close study of NASA’s DART impact

The European Space Agency’s Hera planetary-defense probe has imaged Didymos and its smaller moon Dimorphos as separate objects for the first time, as it approaches the binary asteroid system. Hera will investigate the aftermath of NASA’s DART collision, collecting data on kinetic-impact deflection and probing outstanding scientific questions about the asteroids.

SpaceNews.com

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ESA member states to decide future of Europe’s human and robotic exploration program

European Space Agency member states are scheduled to meet in Rome on Dec. 15 to decide the future of Europe’s human and robotic exploration program. The decision will set the direction for the agency’s exploration agenda as Europe looks beyond the International Space Station.

SpaceNews.com

Europe looks beyond the ISS

European Spaceflight

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ESA to support industry-led reusable booster flight demonstrations

The European Space Agency plans to support industry-led flight demonstrations of reusable rocket boosters through its Boosters for European Space Transportation (BEST!) initiative. The effort puts ESA behind companies demonstrating booster recovery and reuse, a key step toward developing reusable launch systems in Europe.

SpaceWatch Global

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Opinion: Europe’s Earth-observation strengths and weaknesses put its global view in focus

ESA’s Nicolaus Hanowski sets out 10 strengths and 10 weaknesses in Europe’s Earth-observation sector. Torsten Kriening argues that the region must address the weaknesses, framing Europe’s broad view of the world as both an asset and a problem.

Reuters

ESA chief heads to UAE as Europe seeks space partners beyond the US

The European Space Agency’s head is due to meet officials in the United Arab Emirates this week as Europe looks to build new partnerships for space exploration and reduce its reliance on the United States. The visit signals a push to broaden the bloc’s international space relationships.

European Spaceflight

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CNES begins ground qualification of Callisto reusable rocket demonstrator ahead of planned 2027 first flight

CNES has started ground qualification testing of Callisto, a reusable rocket demonstrator, in French Guiana. The campaign precedes a first flight planned for 2027; the available report does not specify test objectives, vehicle capabilities or the partners involved.

Via Satellite

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Ukraine tests sovereign communications satellite as Europe expands Galileo and weighs reliance on foreign providers

Ukrainian defense technology company HIMERA and Denmark’s GomSpace have begun testing an experimental satellite for a communications network Ukraine aims to operate independently. In parallel, the EU is discussing reduced dependence on U.S. providers, while ESA has added four Galileo Second Generation satellites to its procurement plan, bringing the planned fleet to 16.