ESA spends over 5 billion euros annually on procurement, relying on robust, high precision engineering as well as innovative ideas for its space missions, where the quality of ESA suppliers is paramount. ESA recently presented three space companies with prestigious awards for excellence and innovation.

At the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan this week, ESA signed a contract for Element #1, the first phase of the HydRON Demonstration System. HydRON, which stands for High thRoughput Optical Network, is set to transform the way data-collecting satellites communicate, using laser technology that will allow satellites to connect with each other and ground networks much faster.

With the initial images from each of the instruments aboard ESA’s EarthCARE satellite now in hand, it's time to reveal how these four advanced sensors work in synergy to measure exactly how clouds and aerosols influence the heating and cooling of our atmosphere. 

Kennedy Space Center, United States (AFP) Oct 14, 2024
NASA's Europa Clipper probe blasted off from Florida on Monday, bound for an icy moon of Jupiter to discover whether it has the ingredients to support life. Lift-off aboard a powerful SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket took place shortly after noon (1600 GMT), with the probe set to reach Jupiter's moon Europa in five and a half years. NASA later confirmed that it had successfully acquired a sign

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 13, 2024
The United States Space Force's X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-7) has initiated a novel aerobraking maneuver to adjust its orbit around Earth and safely dispose of service module components, adhering to space debris mitigation guidelines. Since December 28, 2023, the X-37B has been involved in radiation experiments and Space Domain Awareness technology testing, with support from the Air Force R