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European Space Agency's Space Rider Passes Key Drop Tests

7/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The European Space Agency's Space Rider program soared to new heights with successful closed-loop drop tests in June 2025 at Salto di Quirra, Italy. Led by Thales Alenia Space, these tests confirmed the spacecraft's impressive autonomous navigation and landing systems. Excitingly, the next phase will push boundaries further with a system drop test to evaluate its capabilities.

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Story summary

The European Space Agency's Space Rider program soared to new heights with successful closed-loop drop tests in June 2025 at Salto di Quirra, Italy. Led by Thales Alenia Space, these tests confirmed the spacecraft's impressive autonomous navigation and landing systems. Excitingly, the next phase will push boundaries further with a system drop test to evaluate its capabilities.