The European Space Agency (ESA) has completed a critical testing phase for the Space Rider project, bringing it closer to its maiden flight. Experts are currently evaluating the most complex components of the vehicle, specifically the thermal protection system for atmospheric entry and the controlled landing mechanism. This is reported by Ixbt.com .
Space Rider is being developed as an unmanned orbital platform capable of remaining in low Earth orbit for up to two months. It is designed for conducting experiments in microgravity, testing new technologies, and performing scientific missions. Upon completion of the flight, the vehicle will return research results and equipment to Earth.
Unlike traditional capsules, Space Rider uses a steerable parafoil instead of a parachute for landing. This technology allows the vehicle to land with aircraft-like precision. ESA engineers plan to test the autonomous control system using a full-scale model at a testing range in Sardinia.
Additionally, the vehicle's thermal protection coating was tested in a plasma wind tunnel at temperatures up to 1600°C. During the tests, the coating's resistance to micrometeoroids and space debris was also evaluated. According to ESA, the project is passing system tests successfully, and its first flight is expected to take place by the end of the decade.
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