ESA title

Space Rider is an uncrewed robotic laboratory about the size of two minivans. After launch on Vega-C it will stay in low orbit for about two months. Experiments inside its cargo bay will allow technology demonstration and benefit research in pharmaceutics, biomedicine, biology and physical science. At the end of its mission, Space Rider will return to Earth with its payloads and land on a runway to be unloaded and refurbished for another flight.

Mission possibilities

  • Microgravity experiments
  • Satellite inspection
  • In-orbit validation and demonstration in:
    • Robotic exploration
    • Earth observation
    • Science
    • Telecommunication
Space Rider

Latest

ESA Council at Delegate level meets in Bremen on the eve of CM25.
Enabling & Support

Ensuring autonomous access to space for Europe

27/11/2025 2687 views 13 likes
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Space Rider model ready to drop
Enabling & Support

Closing the loop: new Space Rider drop test

09/07/2025 5797 views 43 likes
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Space Rider's ALEK in accoustic chamber
Enabling & Support

Space Rider’s smart ALEK passes bumpy, noisy, shocking test…

10/04/2025 2711 views 42 likes
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Space Rider drop test
Enabling & Support

Drop it like it’s hot: Space Rider model falls gracefully

05/08/2024 3650 views 34 likes
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Space Rider
Enabling & Support

Space Rider spacecraft user guide update

01/02/2024 6347 views 42 likes
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More items

  • Enabling & Support

    To orbit and back with Space Rider

    14/11/2022 9157 views 134 likes
    Open item
  • Enabling & Support

    Space Rider

    05/06/2019 3807 views 16 likes
    Open item
    Space Rider
  • Enabling & Support

    Space Rider mission

    10/04/2018 4465 views 30 likes
    Open item
    Space Rider mission
  • Enabling & Support

    Space Rider

    29/05/2019 4747 views 32 likes
    Open item
    Space Rider