ESA's Space Rider Set for 2025 Launch, Confirms Program Manager

The European Space Agency's (ESA) Space Rider program has entered its validation and testing phase, with a planned maiden flight in the third quarter of 2025. Space Rider is a reusable uncrewed robotic laboratory that aims to provide affordable and independent access to space for commercial customers. It will transport payloads to various orbital altitudes and inclinations, allowing for technology demonstrations and science experiments. After spending two months in orbit, Space Rider will autonomously land on Earth with a precision of 150 meters. The program has faced delays due to funding and the need to comply with the Geo-return mechanism. Despite the setbacks, there is significant interest in Space Rider, with over 40 applications received for the first flight.