Andrew Parsonson

The mission is expected to be launched no earlier than 8 April, with the launch window remaining open until 7 May.

Avio has begun stacking the Vega C rocket for ESA's SMILE mission. The P120C first stage has gone vertical, and the Zefiro-40 second stage has been stacked atop it. Next is the Zefiro 9 third stage. Credit: ESA / CNES / Avio / Optique vidéo du CSG / S. Martin / J. Georget

The motor was launched for the first time in a single-stage configuration in November 2023 and used for the first time in a two-stage configuration in November 2025.

Development of the Red Kite rocket motor began in 2019 as a joint project between DLR and Bayern-Chemie to develop a European sounding rocket motor. The booster is a one-tonne class solid rocket motor that can be utilized in a one or two-stage configuration.

According to the MORABA team, the booster was qualified with two static fire tests, one at −20°C and the other at +50°C, enabling launches from Arctic to tropical sites without thermal conditioning.

Some interesting footage of one of the two Red Kite static fire tests performed by DLR's MORABA team. The door being pushed open is my favourite part.
Video credit: DLR/MORABA

MaiaSpace Pushes Inaugural Launch of Maia Rocket to 2027 - European Spaceflight ArianeGroup subsidiary MaiaSpace has pushed back the expected launch date for the inaugural flight of its rocket to 2027.

ArianeGroup subsidiary MaiaSpace has pushed back the expected launch date for the inaugural flight of its rocket to 2027.
europeanspaceflight.com/maiaspace-pu...

Shareholder Advisory Firms Disagree on Avio Bylaw Amendments - European Spaceflight Shareholder advisers Glass Lewis and ISS issue opposing recommendations on Avio’s proposed bylaw changes ahead of a 3 March vote.

Shareholder advisers Glass Lewis and ISS issue opposing recommendations on AVIO’s proposed bylaw changes ahead of a 3 March Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting.
europeanspaceflight.com/shareholder-...

I don't think I've seen this camera angle from an Ariane 6 launch yet. It's cool to see one side of the flame trench in action. Video credit: ESA / ArianeGroup / Arianespace / CNES

DLR's Institute of Space Propulsion has successfully test-fired a Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE) prototype at its facilities in Lampoldshausen. The aim of the project is to develop an RDE in the kN thrust class. Video credit: DLR

ArianeGroup Test Fires Greta Engine and Secures New ESA Contract ArianeGroup has completed a hot fire test campaign of its Greta rocket engine and secured a new ESA contract to continue development.

ArianeGroup has succesfully completed a hot fire test campaign of its Greta rocket engine and secured a new ESA contract to continue its development.
europeanspaceflight.com/arianegroup-...

UKAEA to Help Pulsar Fusion with Shielding for Nuclear Propulsion System Pulsar Fusion will receive support from the UK Atomic Energy Authority to develop shielding and modelling for its Sunbird fusion-powered space tug.

Pulsar Fusion will receive support from the UK Atomic Energy Authority to develop shielding and modelling for its Sunbird fusion-powered space tug.
europeanspaceflight.com/ukaea-to-hel...

You're going to want the sound on for this one. Munich-based DeltaOrbit recently tested its FARIS (Fuel-Agnostic Resonance Ignition System) igniter on a 500 N-class rocket engine, achieving multiple rapid successive ignitions.

Eutelsat to Raise €1.5 Billion to Refinance its Debt - European Spaceflight OneWeb operator Eutelsat plans to raise €1.5 billion through new bonds to refinance debt and strengthen its balance sheet.

OneWeb operator Eutelsat plans to raise €1.5 billion through new bonds to refinance debt and strengthen its balance sheet.
europeanspaceflight.com/eutelsat-to-...

It's not about it being cheaper. To secure US defence contracts, you need production capacity in the US.

Avio to Build $500 Million Facility in Hurt, Virginia - European Spaceflight Avio has announced that its $500 million US-based solid rocket motor manufacturing facility will be built in Hurt, Virginia,

Avio has announced that its $500 million US-based solid rocket motor manufacturing facility will be built in Hurt, Virginia.
europeanspaceflight.com/avio-to-buil...

The Exploration Company is making significant progress on the structural test model of its Nyx spacecraft, having received the pressurised module from CNIM Systèmes Industriels and the front shield from PERSICO GROUP. The company is moving toward some initial pressure tests.

Telespazio Awarded €20 Million Contract for Canary Islands Constellation Telespazio Ibérica has been awarded a €20 million contract to develop an Earth observation satellite constellation for the Canary Islands.

Telespazio Ibérica has been awarded a €20 million contract to develop an Earth observation satellite constellation for the Canary Islands.
europeanspaceflight.com/telespazio-a...

ESA Awards Contracts for Lunar Remote Camp Studies - European Spaceflight ESA has awarded contracts for a pair of studies focused on developing habitat concepts that could support future operations on the Moon.

ESA has awarded contracts for a pair of parallel studies to develop lunar habitat concepts that could support future operations on the Moon.
europeanspaceflight.com/esa-awards-c...

The UK Amends Launch Liability Rules as RFA Prepares for Inaugural Flight The UK has amended its Space Industry Act to ensure limits are set on how much launch operators are financially liable for if something goes wrong.

The UK has amended its Space Industry Act to ensure limits are set on how much launch operators are financially liable for if something goes wrong.
europeanspaceflight.com/the-uk-amend...

In addition to Themis, another European reusable rocket technology mission scheduled for launch in 2026 is the DLR ReFEx demonstrator. The demonstrator will be launched from the Koonibba Test Range in Australia atop a two-stage sounding rocket.

SSC Space Opens Orbital Launch Control Center at Esrange - European Spaceflight SSC Space has opened the new Orbital Launch Control Center at Esrange, a milestone in its efforts to host future orbital rocket launches.

SSC Space has opened the new Orbital Launch Control Center at Esrange, a milestone in its efforts to host future orbital rocket launches.
europeanspaceflight.com/ssc-space-op...

It looks like Orbex officially closed its doors today.

Orbex has shared another image, this time the fully assembled Payload and Avionics Module (PAM), which it says was being prepared for final stage tests and first flight.

Shareholder Advisory Firm Urges Vote Against Avio Bylaw Amendments Ahead of a 3 March Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting, an advisory firm has urged Avio shareholders to reject the proposed bylaw amendments.

Ahead of a 3 March Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting, an advisory firm has urged Avio shareholders to reject the proposed bylaw amendments. europeanspaceflight.com/shareholder-...

DLR has successfully completed vibration tests of the landing legs for the Callisto reusable rocket stage demonstrator. The testing was conducted at the ATLAS EMS facilities in Bremen. The demonstrator is expected to be launched for the first time in 2027. Image credit: DLR

Earth Observation Data Provider SatVu Closes £30 Million Funding Round SatVu has secured £30 million in new funding to expand its thermal infrared Earth observation constellation.

SatVu has secured £30 million in new funding to expand its thermal infrared Earth observation constellation, with two satellites scheduled for launch in 2026.
europeanspaceflight.com/earth-observ...

Sateliot Selects PLD Space to Launch Two 5G Direct-to-Device Satellites Spain's Sateliot has selected PLD Space to launch two 5G D2D satellites aboard a dedicated MIURA 5 flight in 2027.

Spain's Sateliot has selected PLD Space to launch two 5G D2D satellites aboard a dedicated MIURA 5 flight in 2027. europeanspaceflight.com/sateliot-sel...

Orbex has released images showing what the company says is "the launch vehicle in near-flight configuration." It's likely part of an effort to garner some interest from buyers.

RFA Begins Final Preparations for Inaugural RFA ONE Launch - European Spaceflight Rocket Factory Augsburg has begun preparations for the inaugural launch of its RFA ONE rocket, proceeding with commissioning its SaxaVord launch pad.

Rocket Factory Augsburg has begun preparations for the inaugural launch of its RFA ONE rocket, proceeding with commissioning its SaxaVord launch pad in Scotland.
europeanspaceflight.com/rfa-begins-f...