Video: 00:01:20

In December 2024 the first Themis – Europe’s demonstrator of a reusable rocket first stage – completed a ‘full fit-check’ standing tall at ArianeGroup’s facility in Les Mureaux, France.

This step in the rocket development proves that all main elements fit together as planned, confirming the mechanical connections and interfaces from the lower to the upper parts of the rocket stage connect smoothly and as intended.

The 28-m tall model includes the main elements for Themis such as the engine bay, the fuel tanks, the flight control bay and the upper part. It is powered by the new-generation European Prometheus, an

Video: 00:11:10

In 2024, ESA continued to drive Europe’s innovation and excellence in space, equipping the continent with advanced tools and knowledge to address global and local challenges. The year saw pioneering missions, cutting-edge satellites and the pivotal restoration of Europe’s independent access to space. 

The first Ariane 6 launch was perhaps ‘the’ highlight of the year but it was only one of many achievements. We saw the last Vega launch and then the return to flight of Vega-C, the more powerful, upgraded version carrying Sentinel-1C.

Far away in our Solar System, the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo spacecraft performed twoMercury flybys in 2024, needed so that it can enter orbit around Mercury in 2026. Juice also performed a crucial gravity assist,

Image: Fit for service: Themis reusable rocket stage demonstrator

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 17, 2024
US Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) and Space Operations Command (SpOC) successfully executed a critical Rapid Response Trailblazer (RRT) mission in partnership with SpaceX. A Falcon 9 rocket launched the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) mission carrying the Global Positioning System (GPS) III space vehicle, SV-07, on Dec. 16 at 7:52 p.m. EST from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station,

Submarines are emerging as a unique research platform to study human adaption to extreme environments – from ocean depths to outer space.

Paris, France (SPX) Dec 17, 2024
Under a new contract with the European Space Agency (ESA), Frontgrade Gaisler is spearheading an initiative to secure European leadership in advanced semiconductor technologies for space applications. The program focuses on developing cutting-edge Ultra Deep Sub-Micron (UDSM) nodes, including technology as advanced as 7nm, to support next-generation space missions.

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Dec 09, 2024
Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels continue to rise and 2024 is likely to be the world's hottest year on record. It's becoming increasingly clear that limiting global warming to 1.5 C will require much more than existing efforts to reduce emissions and decarbonise industry. We also need to remove enormous amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmos

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 08, 2024
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.K.'s Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and Tokamak Energy Ltd. (TE) have announced a $52 million collaboration to enhance the ST40 experimental fusion facility. The upgrade aims to advance the fusion science and technology essential for developing a future fusion pilot plant. Fusion, the energy source of stars, could provide abundant,

Greenbelt MD (SPX) Dec 13, 2024
Just as NASA needs to reduce mass on a spacecraft so it can escape Earth's gravity, automotive manufacturers work to reduce weight to improve vehicle performance. In the case of brake rotors, lighter is better for a vehicle's acceleration, reliable stopping, and even gas mileage. Orbis Brakes Inc. licensed a NASA-patented technology to accomplish that and more. This revolutionary brake disc desi

Washington (AFP) Dec 13, 2024
Washington and Beijing, locked in a fierce economic and political rivalry, renewed a scientific and technological cooperation agreement for five years on Friday following criticism by detractors, including US Republicans, that China is being given an advantage. The signing is part of an effort to stabilize relations just weeks before the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who h