Space Rider Archive
Europe's first reusable space transportation system
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
- launch on Vega-C
- 1200 l cargo bay
- reusable
