Copernical Team
Boosting European leadership in in-space operations and services
The European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission signed a joint declaration on In-Space Operations and Services (ISOS), signalling a shared ambition to build European leadership in in-orbit servicing.
Seen from above: liftoff of first Ariane 6 with P160C-based boosters
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Seen from above: liftoff of first Ariane 6 with P160C-based boosters Earth from Space celebrates 1000 images
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ESA’s Earth from Space series reaches its 1000th image with a return to the vibrant waters of southern Florida, Cuba and the Bahamas – the same region featured in the very first edition in 2004. Galileo signal updated for internet-of-things use
In April, Galileo marked a step forward with the deployment of a new signal component, known as E5a Quasi Pilot, on 12 satellites of Europe’s satellite navigation constellation. This upgrade makes Galileo signals easier to access, particularly on emerging mass-market, low-power devices used for Internet of Things and smart city applications.
Don’t miss the Earth Explorer 12 User Consultation Meeting
The countdown is on for scientists, researchers and Earth observation experts eager to help shape the future of the European Space Agency’s Earth Explorer satellite series. Registration is closing soon for the Earth Explorer 12 User Consultation Meeting.
This all-important event offers the opportunity to be part of the discussion on which of four pioneering candidate missions should advance to the next stage of development.
Sophie Adenot's mid-mission highlights
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Sophie is halfway through the εpsilon mission onboard the ISS, and she has already accomplished so much. Between hundreds of hours of scientific research and thousands of photographs taken from space, she has taken the time to share many unforgettable moments with us — inspiring millions along the way on social media.
Liftoff: first Ariane 6 liftoff with P160C-based boosters
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Liftoff: first Ariane 6 liftoff with P160C-based boosters Ariane 6 flight VA269 - full replay
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On the 17th of June Ariane 6 flight VA269 soared to orbit from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. The latest generation of Europe's largest and most powerful rocket launched 36 satellites for Amazon's Leo constellation.
The debut of the four new boosters based on the P160C solid-propellant rocket motor allowed 36 satellites to be launched, four more than the two Leo launches Ariane 6 had delivered before.
Ariane 6 is Europe’s heavy-lift launcher and a key element of ESA’s efforts to ensure autonomous access to space for Europe’s citizens. The new P160C boosters increase considerably performance, payload capacity and competitiveness, allowing
Robotics at work: Dextre and Canadarm2
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This timelapse shows operations by Dextre, a highly precise robotic “handyman” attached to the International Space Station’s robotic arm, Canadarm2.
Dextre is designed for delicate tasks such as repairs, maintenance, and handling small components. Canadarm2 can move around the Station and is used to capture visiting spacecraft and carefully position equipment or astronauts.
Both systems can be operated by astronauts on board the Station as well as by specialized robotics teams on the ground.
ESA Council appoints two new directors
The European Space Agency Council has approved the appointment of two new directors: Christine Klein as Director of Controlling, Finance and Operational Procurement, and Jean-Luc Trullemans as Director of Strategy, Legal and External Affairs.
