ESA News

Via Satellite

High activity

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.

Via Satellite

ESA expands Galileo second-generation satellite orders and funds resilient transport navigation technologies

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.

European Spaceflight

ESA’s INVICTUS hypersonic aircraft program clears first major review; next review expected in October 2027

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.

Payload

OSMOS X to lead European Defence Fund consortium studying responses to threats in orbit

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.

ESA

ESA adds four Galileo Second Generation satellites, bringing planned fleet to 16

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.

FlightGlobal

High activity

NASA and two commercial lander providers revise plans to accelerate 2028 lunar landing

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.

European Spaceflight

High activity

Australia counters ESA’s offer for ISS mission seat for astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg

Australia has submitted a counteroffer to the European Space Agency over the cost of sending astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg on a mission to the International Space Station. The proposed funding has drawn domestic criticism, with the government accused of haggling over the price of the historic mission.

European Spaceflight

Australia Counters ESA’s Offer for Mission to ISS for Bennell-Pegg