Esa
companyEuropean civil space agency. Operator of Ariane 6 procurement, Copernicus, Galileo.
Events · 11
- launch2026-12-01PLATO mission to monitor 200,000 stars
- launch2026-12-01PLATO mission launches aboard Ariane 6
- launch2025-12-1714th launch of Galileo satellites
- launch2025-12-01Launch of Kompsat-7 satellite
- launch2025-11-04Launch of Copernicus Sentinel-1D satellite
- launch2025-08-13Launch of MetOp-SG-A1 weather satellite
- launch2025-07-25Launch of CO3D and MicroCarb satellites
- launch2025-04-29Launch of ESA's Biomass satellite
- milestone2025-04-24P160C solid rocket motor test fire
- launch2025-03-06Launch of CSO-3 observation satellite
- missionTesting ANYmal for Martian and Lunar exploration
People · 26
Articles · 24
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Canada and the European Space Agency sign security agreement
Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and European Space Agency (ESA) have formalized a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA). This agreement establishes a legal framework for the secure exchange of classified information between the two agencies, enhancing collaboration on various projects. The GSOIA is a crucial step in strengthening international partnerships in space exploration and technology development.
ESA’s Mars Rover to Launch Aboard SpaceX Falcon Heavy in 2028
NASA has selected a SpaceX Falcon Heavy to launch the Rosalind Franklin Mars rover for the European Space Agency no earlier than late 2028. This decision follows a partnership agreement from May 2024, with ESA independently developing the mission after cutting ties with Roscosmos. ESA awarded a €522 million contract to Thales Alenia Space on April 9, 2024, for mission elements.
CIRA Tests Space Rider Reentry Performance with Damaged Heat Shield
CIRA has completed critical testing of the thermal protection system for the European Space Agency's Space Rider spacecraft, demonstrating resilience against reentry damage from micrometeoroids. The tests confirmed the performance of the ISiComp ceramic composite material. The inaugural mission aboard Vega C is anticipated in early 2028, with 18 commercial customers secured for the flight.
OQ Technology Awarded ESA Contract to Adapt 5G Beamforming for Space
OQ Technology secured a €1 million contract from European Space Agency (ESA) for the BEAMSAT-5G project, aimed at enhancing satellite-to-phone connectivity through advanced 5G beamforming techniques. This initiative addresses the performance gap between terrestrial mobile networks and satellite communications, potentially revolutionizing direct-to-device services in the aerospace sector and improving user experience in remote areas.
Planetary Exploration With Four-Legged Rovers Carrying Only Two Instruments
ANYmal four-legged robots are being tested for Martian and Lunar exploration, equipped with a microscopic imager and Raman spectrometer. Researchers, led by Gabriela Ligeza from the European Space Agency, aim to enhance semi-autonomous operations for multi-target exploration, addressing communication delays. This study emphasizes the integration of these instruments for astrobiology and resource prospecting in extraterrestrial environments.
Kepler and Astrolight Secure ESA Contract for HydRON Optical Network
Kepler Communications secured a multimillion-euro contract from ESA to develop the user-terminal segment of the High-throughput Optical Network (HydRON). This initiative aims to enhance optical communication capabilities, facilitating high-speed data transfer for future space missions. The consortium's work will focus on integrating advanced technologies to support efficient data relay and connectivity in space environments.
LiveEO Receives ESA Funding Support for the Development of its ‘Twinspector’ Satellite Constellation
LiveEO has secured €1M+ funding from the European Space Agency’s InCubed program for its Twinspector satellite constellation. This financial support will enhance European infrastructure monitoring capabilities and provide independent access to high-resolution Earth observation data. The initiative marks a significant step in advancing LiveEO's technological offerings in the EO sector, focusing on infrastructure analytics.
Kepler, Astrolight to Test ESA’s ‘Fiber in the Sky’
Kepler Communications will lead a team to test ESA's HydRON orbital communications network, termed “fiber in the sky.” This initiative aims to enhance satellite communication capabilities, leveraging advanced optical technologies. The collaboration with Astrolight signifies a strategic move towards improving connectivity in space, aligning with ESA's objectives for next-generation communication systems in low Earth orbit (LEO).
Kepler awarded $30.1 million prime contract for European Space Agency HydRON optical network
Kepler Communications secured a $30.1M prime contract for the European Space Agency's HydRON Element 3, enhancing its position in the high-throughput broadband architecture. This contract underscores Kepler's commitment to advancing optical network capabilities within ESA's framework, contributing to the overall efficiency and performance of satellite communications systems in the European market.
Canada formalizes subscriptions to four new European Space Agency programs
Canada has officially authorized participation in four new European Space Agency (ESA) programs, pending ratification. Recent Orders in Council dated March 30, 2026, facilitate Canada's integration into multilateral initiatives: Moonlight, FutureNAV, and ACCESS. This move signifies a strategic expansion of Canada's international space partnerships, enhancing collaboration in lunar exploration and navigation technologies.