European Spaceflight
• Andrew Parsonson
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.
ESA
Latest source-backed stories
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.
High activity
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.
High activity
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.
ESA has added spacecraft to the Galileo Second Generation program through contracts with Airbus and Thales Alenia Space; Airbus’s latest award covers two satellites, bringing its order to eight. Separately, three European companies won NAVISP contracts to develop navigation technologies for more resilient rail transportation and aviation.
The European Space Agency’s INVICTUS hypersonic aircraft program has passed its first major review, marking a milestone in the program’s development. The next review is expected in October 2027; the available report does not specify further technical findings or schedule details.
The European Defence Fund has selected French on-orbit transportation startup OSMOS X to lead a coalition examining how European countries can respond to threats in orbit. The article does not specify the consortium’s membership, funding or timetable, but places orbital security and coordinated national response at the center of the study.
The European Space Agency, acting for the European Commission, has contracted Airbus and Thales Alenia Space to build two additional Galileo Second Generation satellites each. The four spacecraft add to 12 ordered in 2021, expanding the planned G2 fleet to 16 and supporting continuity of the constellation and new services.
High activity
NASA said the designs and flight plans for its two commercial crewed Moon landers have changed as the agency works toward a 2028 landing. The agency will decide which provider lands astronauts first, according to a report, making the revised plans relevant to both providers’ development schedules.
Create a free account to see more recent ESA stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
