Space Rider Reentry Module Undergoes 2.5 Km Drop Tests

Space Rider reentry module undergoes 2.5 km drop tests

Space Rider is ESA's reusable spacecraft in development. It will be about the size of two minivans and will allow for many kinds of missions, ranging from pharmaceutical research to in-orbit manufacturing, visiting orbital platforms and more. After staying in Earth orbit for up to three months, Space Rider will return through our atmosphere to precision-land on skids after a paraglider descent.

Europe’s Space Rider: Testing Progress

The European Space Agency’s reusable spacecraft — Space Rider — has completed a second round of aerial drop tests from a helicopter, testing the craft’s paraglider guidance, navigation and control algorithms. Last month’s testing of Space Rider followed a drop-test campaign in 2024. Testing to date has been held at the Salto di Quirra range […]

ESA Validates Space Rider Landing Accuracy with Drop Test Campaign - European Spaceflight

Credit: Thales Alenia Space The European Space Agency has confirmed the successful completion of a series of drop tests, validating the landing accuracy of its reusable Space Rider spacecraft. Space Rider is a reusable spacecraft initiative aimed at providing affordable access to low Earth orbit. Designed for long-duration missions, it can remain in orbit for up to three months before returning to Earth, with the Return Module equipped with a pa…