• ESA completed testing of Space Rider’s thermal protection system in a plasma wind tunnel at 1600°C.
  • A full-scale descent test model has been assembled, featuring a parafoil landing system novel for spacecraft.
  • Space Rider is an uncrewed laboratory that can stay in low Earth orbit for up to two months and return experiments.
  • Multiple helicopter drop tests are planned over Sardinia later this year.
  • Tests included simulating surface damage from debris to verify material resilience.