Space Rider animation

This animation shows the launch of ESA's reusable lifting body called Space Rider atop Vega-C.

On reaching low-Earth orbit, Space Rider will serve as an uncrewed high-tech space laboratory operating for periods longer than two months. It offers an array of orbit altitudes and inclinations for a large variety of experiments and demonstrations in microgravity.

After each mission Space Rider will return to Earth to land on ground to return its cargo before minimal refurbishment for its next mission.