Read the latest edition of ESA Impact

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 30, 2025
Following a multi-year development effort and the successful completion of two rigorous certification flights, the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan rocket has officially received clearance from the United States Space Force to carry out National Security Space Launch (NSSL) missions. "Thank you to all our customer partners who have worked hand-in-hand with us throughout this comprehensi

Launched just seven months ago, ESA’s Arctic Weather Satellite has been proving how the New Space approach can accelerate the development of missions capable of delivering detailed temperature and humidity profiles for short-term weather forecasts.

Moreover, the impact of this tiny prototype satellite goes even further – its measuring instrument has been recognised as able to provide data that’s on a par with traditional large missions.

Cape Canaveral (AFP) Mar 31, 2025
SpaceX is set to launch the first human spaceflight directly over Earth's polar regions on Monday - a days-long, privately funded orbital mission involving four astronauts. Named "Fram2" after the famed Norwegian ship built in the 19th century for Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, the mission will feature a range of experiments including taking the first X-ray in space and growing mushrooms

Oslo (AFP) Mar 30, 2025
The first orbital rocket launched from continental Europe crashed seconds after blast-off Sunday, in a closely watched test for the continent's bid to build a new space economy. The Spectrum rocket, developed by German start-up Isar Aerospace, started smoking from its sides, then crashed back to Earth with a powerful explosion just after launching from Norway's Andoya Spaceport in the Arctic

The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected Airbus to design and build the landing platform for the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover. In 2028, ESA will launch this ambitious exploration mission to search for past and present signs of life on Mars.

Oslo (AFP) Mar 30, 2025
The first orbital rocket launched from continental Europe crashed seconds after blast-off Sunday, dealing a blow to the continent's bid to build a new space economy. The Spectrum rocket, developed by German start-up Isar Aerospace, started smoking from its sides, then crashed back to Earth with a powerful explosion just after launching from Norway's Andoya Spaceport in the Arctic, in live vi

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 30, 2025
The microgravity and radiation of space present not only risks to human health but also rare opportunities for breakthroughs in science and medicine, Chinese researchers say. This dual nature of the space environment came into focus when two NASA astronauts returned from a prolonged nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station, visibly weakened. The challenges they faced undersco

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 30, 2025
China executed its 15th space launch of the year late Wednesday night, successfully placing a new data relay satellite into orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), the nation's primary aerospace contractor, confirmed the mission. Lifting off at 11:55 pm local time, a Long March 3B rocket deployed the Tianli