
Copernical Team
ESA 2024 Highlights: flight of the Ariane 6

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,
Fit for service: Themis reusable rocket stage demonstrator

SpaceX launches Space Force Rapid Response Trailblazer

Submarines for space exploration

Submarines are emerging as a unique research platform to study human adaption to extreme environments – from ocean depths to outer space.
Frontgrade Gaisler leads European effort for advanced space semiconductor technology

Plans to stabilise Earth's climate rely on emerging carbon removal technology

DOE UK DESNZ and Tokamak Energy invest in fusion facility upgrade for fusion pilot plant

NASA Gives The World a Brake

Washington, Beijing renew stalled scientific cooperation agreement

Ocean data revolutionized with AI-driven satellite fusion
