Space Rider drone inspection

Animation showing possible operations for ESA’s reusable laboratory Space Rider deploying an inspection drone. 

Space Rider is a versatile uncrewed robotic laboratory about the size of two minivans. After launch on the Vega-C rocket it could stay in low orbit for at least two months.  

Experiments inside its cargo bay will allow technology demonstration and benefit research in pharmaceutics, biomedicine, biology and physical science.  

This video shows operations of a free-flying drone that could be used to inspect Space Rider or other satellites to assess their condition and any possible damage. A thorough external inspection of satellites – or Space Rider itself as in this video – would allow operations teams to assess a satellite’s health and design repair or maintenance missions, prolonging satellite life and reducing debris in space. These operations are just some examples of how sustainable Low-Earth Orbit and logistics could evolve, with Space Rider operating as an ideal platform for such advancements. 

The animation is intended to present in understandable way how the operations could be carried out. In reality, for example a drone inspection like this would probably last up to a full day – in space it is generally better to take it slow. 

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.