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

  • Experiments in microgravity
  • In-orbit validation/demonstrations in:
  • - Robotic exploration
  • - Earth observation
  • - Science, telecommunication
  • Satellites inspection
Space Rider
Space Rider's ALEK in accoustic chamber
Enabling & Support

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

10/04/2025 2026 views 40 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 2936 views 32 likes
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Space Rider
Enabling & Support

Space Rider spacecraft user guide update

01/02/2024 5452 views 35 likes
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Space Rider is Europe's reusable transportation system
Enabling & Support

Space Rider enters phase D for drop tests

28/07/2023 6251 views 34 likes
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Space Rider is Europe's reusable transportation system
Enabling & Support

To orbit and back with Space Rider

15/11/2022 10778 views 90 likes
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Space Rider
Enabling & Support

Announcement of opportunity to fly payloads on ESA’s Space …

26/10/2021 9141 views 50 likes
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Outlook on future European space transportation
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ESA defines elements of future European space transportatio…

11/03/2021 11615 views 132 likes
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Space Rider
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ESA signs contracts for reusable Space Rider up to maiden f…

09/12/2020 10967 views 94 likes
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Vega-C features
Enabling & Support

ESA fosters early involvement in Vega and Space Rider

20/06/2019 3486 views 22 likes
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Enabling & Support

Space Rider: Europe’s reusable space transport system

05/06/2019 15488 views 101 likes
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Enabling & Support

All engines GO for Vega-C maiden flight

04/06/2019 6440 views 63 likes
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Enabling & Support

Focus on Vega developments

23/11/2018 7141 views 86 likes
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Space Rider mission
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Announcement of opportunity to fly payloads to space on ESA…

10/04/2018 6562 views 49 likes
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Vega configurations
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Vega Evolution preparation and Space Rider development

30/11/2017 8488 views 49 likes
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