Nobody controls the weather, and more tests are set for next year under the worst possible conditions. The system drop test will put all the elements together and see how the landing system, software and parafoil work together for a gentle touchdown regardless of wind.

The landing gear itself is also novel, Space Rider will feature a wheel at the front and two skids at the back, this design is better for the stability in case of crosswinds at landing and as the skids are flatter than wheels it allows more room inside Space Rider for the experiments.

“Moving to Phase D in development is a milestone for all spaceflight projects, and the Space Rider team is looking forward to putting our theory into practice on this unique project,” says Dante Galli, Space Rider programme manager.