Copernical Team
Last rocket motor test paves way for Vega-C launch
The newly redesigned Zefiro-40 solid rocket motor, serving as the second stage of the Vega-C rocket, successfully underwent its second firing today. The test was conducted by Avio, the prime contractor, at the Salto di Quirra test site in Sardinia, Italy. This marks the final qualification test for the Zefiro-40's upgraded engine nozzle, following an initial test in May 2024.
Engineers are Sierra Space to lead global logistics with new defense contract
Sierra Space, a prominent player in commercial space and defense technology, announced it has been awarded a competitive contract by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for the Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics (REGAL) program. This contract will enable Sierra Space to advance logistics and material retrieval from space, setting new standards in global logistics innovation. Vulcan Rocket Lifts Off After Delay for Certification Mission
United Launch Alliance's second Vulcan rocket successfully lifted off from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 7:25 a.m. EDT on Friday, following a short delay due to a countdown sequence issue. The launch, originally set for 6.30 a.m., was rescheduled to 7:25 am after adjusting the countdown sequence.
This mission is part of a critical certification process with the Earth from Space: Kunshan, China
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This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image captures the intricate blend of natural, rural and urban landscapes around Kunshan, a city in eastern China. Proba-3 double satellites set for launch following last test
In a final test before its shipping to its Indian launch site, ESA’s eclipse-making double-satellite Proba-3 mission has received commands from its science team and transmitted images back, exactly as it will operate in orbit.
Service Module, assemble!
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ESA's third European Service Module is connected to the Crew Module Adapter at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Last rocket motor firing clears path for Vega-C launch
No place too remote: Enabling satellite connectivity from Pole to Pole
To achieve truly global connectivity, telecommunications satellites are essential. Through the Sunrise Partnership Project with Eutelsat OneWeb – part of Eutelsat Group – and support from the UK Space Agency, ESA is extending advanced 5G connectivity to areas beyond the reach of traditional ground networks.
Mercury’s magnetic landscape mapped in 30 minutes
As BepiColombo sped past Mercury during its June 2023 flyby, it encountered a variety of features in the tiny planet’s magnetic field. These measurements provide a tantalising taste of the mysteries that the mission is set to investigate when it arrives in orbit around the Solar System’s innermost planet.
