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News•Feb 26, 2026
UKAEA to Help Pulsar Fusion with Shielding for Nuclear Propulsion System
Pulsar Fusion announced that the UK Atomic Energy Authority will assist its Sunbird Migratory Transfer Vehicle with neutron shielding and activation modelling. Sunbird’s Dual Direct Fusion Drive generates thrust and onboard electricity, promising to halve Mars transit times and reach Pluto in four years. The UKAEA partnership will provide high‑level analysis to inform shielding materials for future fusion‑propelled spacecraft. While a static‑fire test was slated for 2025, the 2027 in‑orbit demonstration now appears uncertain.
By European Spaceflight
News•Feb 24, 2026
Avio to Build $500 Million Facility in Hurt, Virginia
Italian rocket builder Avio announced a $500 million solid‑rocket‑motor manufacturing complex in Hurt, Virginia, pending approval by the Virginia General Assembly. The 860,000‑square‑foot facility, financed by a €400 million capital increase, will create more than 1,000 jobs and may receive a $97.7 million...
By European Spaceflight
News•Feb 24, 2026
Telespazio Awarded €20 Million Contract for Canary Islands Constellation
Telespazio Ibérica has secured a €20 million contract to build an Earth‑observation satellite constellation for the Canary Islands. While the original plan called for eight low‑Earth‑orbit satellites, the award covers three operational spacecraft and a technology demonstrator, each 20‑30 kg. The demonstrator...
By European Spaceflight
News•Feb 23, 2026
ESA Awards Contracts for Lunar Remote Camp Studies
The European Space Agency has awarded two contracts to study lunar habitat concepts that could protect robotic equipment and later support short‑duration human missions. Copenhagen‑based SAGA Space Architects, together with The Exploration Company and Space Applications Services, will lead the...
By European Spaceflight
News•Feb 19, 2026
SSC Space Opens Orbital Launch Control Center at Esrange
SSC Space inaugurated the Orbital Launch Control Center (OLCC) at Sweden’s Esrange Space Center, marking a key step toward orbital launch capability. The OLCC will manage vehicle monitoring, countdowns, and coordination with safety and airspace authorities for future missions. Initial...
By European Spaceflight
News•Feb 18, 2026
Shareholder Advisory Firm Urges Vote Against Avio Bylaw Amendments
Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) has recommended Avio shareholders reject a set of bylaw amendments slated for a March 3 extraordinary meeting. The proposals would fix the board at nine members, giving the largest shareholder seven seats while reducing minority representation, and...
By European Spaceflight
News•Feb 17, 2026
Sateliot Selects PLD Space to Launch Two 5G Direct-to-Device Satellites
Sateliot has signed a launch services agreement with Spanish launch provider PLD Space to fly its first two high‑capacity 5G Direct‑to‑Device (D2D) Tritó satellites on a dedicated MIURA 5 mission in 2027. Each Tritó payload weighs roughly 160 kg and will enable...
By European Spaceflight
News•Feb 16, 2026
RFA Begins Final Preparations for Inaugural RFA ONE Launch
German launch provider Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) is nearing the inaugural flight of its 30‑metre RFA ONE rocket from SaxaVord Spaceport in Scotland. After an August 2024 first‑stage hot‑fire failure, the company has rebuilt the stage, upgraded the upper‑stage Helix...
By European Spaceflight
News•Feb 13, 2026
ESA Astronaut Sophie Adenot Launches Aboard SpaceX Crew-12 Mission
French Air Force colonel Sophie Adenot became the first member of ESA’s 2022 career astronaut class to launch to the International Space Station, riding SpaceX’s Crew‑12 mission on 13 February 2026. The Falcon 9‑launched Crew Dragon will dock with the ISS...
By European Spaceflight
News•Feb 11, 2026
Orbex Fails After Planned Purchase Falls Through
Orbex, the UK‑based small‑sat launch provider, has entered insolvency proceedings after its planned acquisition by European space‑logistics startup The Exploration Company fell apart. The collapse follows a January shutdown of its Danish engine factory and 90 redundancies, leaving roughly 150...
By European Spaceflight
News•Feb 10, 2026
Earth Observation Data Provider Constellr Closes €37 Million Series A
Munich‑based Constellr closed a €37 million Series A round, bringing total capital to €75 million. The funding, led by Alpine Space Ventures and Lakestar, will accelerate its HiVE microsatellite constellation toward defence‑grade thermal imaging. Constellr plans to upgrade resolution from 30 m to sub‑5 m...
By European Spaceflight
News•Feb 10, 2026
Hypersonic Systems Startup Emerges From Stealth with Series A and Test Launch
Munich‑based Hypersonica has emerged from stealth, announcing a €23.3 million Series A round led by Plural and backed by Germany’s Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation, General Catalyst and 201 Ventures. The startup also reported its first successful hypersonic missile test on 3 February from...
By European Spaceflight
News•Feb 9, 2026
ESA Is Preparing to Announce Aeolus-2 Prime Contractor
The European Space Agency has cleared a €70 million award to launch Phase B2 of its Aeolus‑2 weather satellite programme and is set to announce the prime contractor. Aeolus‑2 will consist of two 2.5‑tonne satellites equipped with a Doppler wind lidar, delivering...
By European Spaceflight
News•Feb 7, 2026
OHB Establishes European Moonport Company
German space contractor OHB announced the launch of Luna Europa – the European Moonport Company – to centralise its lunar‑related activities. The subsidiary, founded in May 2025 and disclosed on 4 February 2026, will coordinate work on ESA’s Argonaut lander, the ESPRIT...
By European Spaceflight
News•Feb 5, 2026
The Exploration Company Completes Nyx Splashdown Tests
The Exploration Company announced the completion of a controlled splashdown test campaign for a 1:4‑scale mockup of its Nyx reusable capsule. Conducted at the National Research Council’s Institute of Marine Engineering in Rome, the program executed 20 drops between 13...
By European Spaceflight