ESA is uncertain whether its Themis reusable rocket demonstrator will fly in 2026, with winter conditions at Esrange threatening further delays.
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I've updated this article to correct an error in my original reporting after Airbus Netherlands President Rob Postma shared additional details showing that the company had actually exceeded its original weight-reduction target for the Vulcain Aft Bay. europeanspaceflight.com/airbus-ships-f…
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While revealing new details about the failed Space Rider drop test, ESA said it does not expect the failure to delay the vehicle's development.
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Airbus Netherlands has shipped the first lightweight Ariane 6 Vulcain Aft Bay, one of the rocket's final Block 2 upgrades.
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Exclusive: ESA has confirmed that a full-scale Space Rider test model was lost following a failed drop test earlier this month.
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French MPs have proposed a symbolic €1 budget line for Dassault's VORTEX spaceplane programme to press the government to clarify how it plans to fund the project.
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Polish minister warns that US political and budgetary uncertainty complicates Poland's ability to make long-term commitments to NASA's Artemis programme.
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The UK plans to award a £25 million contract for space surveillance radar in July 2027, after several revisions to the project's procurement plan.
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Hilariously, the article that I created this image for explicitly argued against this merger having anything to do with creating a European competitor to SpaceX.
BREAKING: The European Union is reportedly preparing to fast-track approval of a major satellite joint venture between Airbus, Leonardo and Thales, aimed at creating a European aerospace competitor to SpaceX.
According to Bloomberg, EU regulators have been working with the three tential antitrust concerns before they formally apply for approval, which is expected in the coming weeks.
Known as Project Bromo, the proposed venture would combine major parts of Europe's satellite manufacturing industry to strengthen its ability to compete with SpaceX and other global space companies.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has previously expressed support for creating a European aerospace champion.
The joint venture has not yet received regulatory approval, and the companies have not formally submitted their application.
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In case you missed it, in this week's edition of the newsletter, I explored why ArianeGroup's future may depend on the success of MaiaSpace. French trade unions are also warning that the company has no Plan B.
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Following reports that ArianeGroup has resolved a turbopump anomaly, Arianespace has announced that the next Ariane 6 flight is set for 23 November.
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Spain has approved Hisdesat's request to bring forward €65.8 million in funding for the country's PAZ 2 spy satellite programme.
europeanspaceflight.com/spain-approves…
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In its newly released 2027 budget proposal, Norway has detailed how it plans to fund the construction of a second orbital launch pad at Andøya Spaceport.
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In case you missed it, my latest for @SpaceNews_Inc: @SpaceForest2 completes its fourth PERUN rocket launch but pushes its fifth to 2027 due to delays in the preparation of launch facilities in Portugal and Denmark.
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The Exploration Company plans to test its ONEIROS lunar hopper demonstrator in the UAE next year.
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Part two of my WTF is going on with the Polish Space Agency? series has been published. In this issue, I obtained a 24-page report from Poland’s State Labour Inspectorate through a freedom-of-information request. Read the issue here: europeanspaceflight.substack.com/p/wtf-is-going…
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ArianeGroup has completed a second wet dress rehearsal of ESA's Themis reusable rocket demonstrator at Esrange.
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The EU has extended the SALTO project deadline to the end of 2026 as the first hop test of Europe’s Themis reusable rocket demonstrator slips further.
europeanspaceflight.com/the-eu-extends…
europeanspaceflight.com/the-eu-extends…
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