Europe in Space

Europe in Space explores developments in the European space industry, focusing on launcher technologies, ArianeGroup's operations, commercial space efforts, and crewed spaceflight ambitions. It scrutinizes funding, policy, European Space Agency (ESA) projects, and international collaborations, while highlighting startups and initiatives aiming for reusability and sustainable space exploration.

European Space Industry Launcher Technologies Space Policy and Funding Commercial Space Initiatives Crewed Spaceflight Space Exploration Missions International Collaborations Space Technology and Innovation Space Startups Sustainable Space Operations

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

Is Ariane 6 the last European launcher?

727 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Space Exploration
  1. Europe may face challenges in maintaining cooperation for developing future heavy launch vehicles.
  2. New players like The Exploration Company could potentially disrupt the European space industry by offering innovative solutions.
  3. European Space Agency is exploring the idea of a launcher challenge to involve commercial actors in the development of a successor to Ariane 6.

Who should be the first to set foot on the Moon?

196 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🔬 Science Space Exploration
  1. European Astronaut Corps was formed in 2002 to centralize astronaut efforts from various European countries.
  2. ESA recruited a new class of astronauts in 2021, including career astronauts and reserve astronauts with a unique designation.
  3. Countries like the UK, Poland, and Sweden have accepted offers from Axiom Space for commercial spaceflights, while ESA manages and promotes crewed missions to the ISS.

Europe’s mission to the Moon

137 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🔬 Science Space Exploration Logistics Services
  1. European Space Agency is developing a sustainable human presence on the Moon with innovative concepts and technology.
  2. European startups like Spartan Space and ASI are contributing to the development of lunar habitats and outposts.
  3. Efforts by ESA and European companies in developing lunar landers, OTVs, training centers, and communication services are crucial for establishing a sustained presence on the Moon.

Everything you need to know about Themis

137 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Space Exploration Rocket Technology Innovation
  1. The Themis project is a reusable rocket initiative developed by ArianeGroup and CNES, featuring the Prometheus engine for cost-efficient rocket production.
  2. Themis has gone through various stages of development, including engine tests, hop tests, and Prometheus engine hot-fire testing.
  3. The project has future implications for upgrades to the Ariane 6 rocket, development of the Ariane Next launcher family, and the creation of MaiaSpace's microlauncher.
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Are commercial space stations a fantasy?

137 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🕹 Technology Space Commercial Research International Launch
  1. Operating a commercial space station is not straightforward due to high costs and limited demand.
  2. In-orbit manufacturing and satellite fueling are potential applications for commercial space stations, but their feasibility is still uncertain.
  3. Developing a European space station requires focus on crewed launch capabilities and understanding the need for sovereign presence in orbit.

A little Boost! goes a long way

117 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Space Commercial Startups Funding Innovation
  1. ESA's Boost! program supports innovative space transportation startups by providing co-funding for qualifying activities.
  2. The Boost! program has attracted significant private investments, showing a successful multiplier effect.
  3. The program has expanded and includes initiatives like the European Flight Ticket Initiative to support space startups.

What will we discover by 2050?

98 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🔬 Science Space Exploration Astrophysics Technology Research
  1. ESA's Voyage 2050 missions will focus on exploring habitability potential, understanding exoplanets, and probing the early universe.
  2. The process of selecting missions involves public submissions, evaluation meetings, and expert committees.
  3. New missions like ARRAKIHS, CALICO, and THESEUS are pushing boundaries in deep imaging and studying high-energy events.