ESA News

NASA Spaceflight

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Hydrogen chloride above Martian fissures suggests possible ongoing volcanism

An orbiting atmospheric research spacecraft detected hydrogen chloride above fissures near a massive ancient Martian volcano, a finding researchers say may indicate volcanic activity beneath the surface. The region’s relatively young fissures also raise interest in whether subsurface heat and water could have created conditions comparable to Earth’s hydrothermal environments, where life can flourish.

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.