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

Team preparing the plasma wind tunnel
Enabling & Support

Plasma-hot Space Rider tests for belly and flaps

29/04/2026 1732 views 36 likes
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First full-size Space Rider test model assembled
Enabling & Support

Space Rider drop model ready to glide

22/04/2026 12307 views 52 likes
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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 3257 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 6217 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 2849 views 42 likes
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More items

  • Enabling & Support

    To orbit and back with Space Rider

    14/11/2022 9501 views 138 likes
    Open item
  • Enabling & Support

    Space Rider

    05/06/2019 3885 views 16 likes
    Open item
    Space Rider
  • Enabling & Support

    Space Rider mission

    10/04/2018 4552 views 30 likes
    Open item
    Space Rider mission
  • Enabling & Support

    Space Rider

    29/05/2019 4887 views 32 likes
    Open item
    Space Rider