Copernical Team
ESA awards contract to build Sentinel-1 Next Generation satellites
The European Space Agency has awarded the contract to lead the development and build for two Copernicus Sentinel-1 Next Generation satellites to Thales Alenia Space. Building on the success of the current Sentinel-1 mission, the next-generation satellites will ensure the long-term continuity of Europe’s radar Earth observation capabilities while delivering enhanced performance.
ESA adopts galactic archaeology mission Arrakihs
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Science Programme Committee has adopted the Arrakihs mission. Planned for launch by the end of 2030, Arrakihs will capture the faint light from nearby galaxy haloes. By seeing the unseen, Arrakihs will dig up cosmic history and reveal how galaxies like our own form and evolve.
ESA at ILA 2026 – Day 1 highlights
The European Space Agency (ESA) inaugurated its participation at ILA Berlin International Airshow 2026 with a day rich in high-level meetings, public events and strategic milestones, highlighting Europe's determination to strengthen its role in space. From in-space operations and services to Earth observation and planetary defence, 'Day 1 at ILA' showcased how ESA is working with its Member States, partners and industry to help shape Europe's future.
Throttle testing for Miura 5 rocket engine
Video:
00:00:38
Scenes from a hot-fire test campaign on the Teprel-C engine developed by Spain’s PLD Space.
Teprel‑C is PLD Space’s fourth version of the Teprel engine family, after the demo, A, and B version. It features a unique design developed for their Miura-5 rocket. The engine is optimised for serial production and built in‑house, from design and manufacturing to integration.
The test-firing in this video focused on throttle capabilities that will allow Miura 5’s first stage to control itself on reentry, eventually so it can fire up after liftoff and touch down softly for landing.
These test campaigns were developed in
Artemis III NASA announcement highlights: Luca Parmitano assigned as pilot
Video:
00:07:18
On 9 June, NASA announced the crew for the Artemis III mission, which includes ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano as pilot. ESA is also providing its third European Service Module for this crewed test flight in Earth orbit, which will be key for the mission’s objective to test rendezvous and docking capabilities ahead of future lunar landing missions. Along with Luca, three NASA astronauts will fly on this mission: commander Randy Bresnik and lander specialists Frank Rubio and Andre Douglas. The crew now begins a rigorous training schedule to learn the Orion spacecraft systems, as well
Replay: Artemis III announcement
Video:
01:09:24
On 9 June, NASA announced the crew for the Artemis III mission, which includes ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano as pilot. ESA is also providing its third European Service Module for this crewed test flight in Earth orbit, which will be key for the mission’s objective to test rendezvous and docking capabilities ahead of future lunar landing missions. Along with Luca, three NASA astronauts will fly on this mission: commander Randy Bresnik and lander specialists Frank Rubio and Andre Douglas. The crew now begins a rigorous training schedule to learn the Orion spacecraft systems, as well
ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano joins NASA’s Artemis III mission as pilot
NASA has announced the crew for the Artemis III mission, which includes ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano as pilot. ESA is also providing its third European Service Module for this crewed test flight in Earth orbit, which will be key for the mission’s objective to test rendezvous and docking capabilities ahead of future lunar landing missions.
Luca Parmitano on Artemis III selection
Video:
00:03:53
ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano talks about his assignment as the test pilot for the Artemis III mission, announced by NASA on 9 June 2026 in a press conference at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, United States.
Artemis III is planned as a crewed test flight in Earth orbit to demonstrate systems and operations required for future lunar landing missions planned from Artemis IV onwards.
ESA is also providing its third European Service Module for this mission, the powerhouse of the NASA Orion spacecraft which houses the crew during their journey.
Artemis III NASA announcement highlights : Luca Parmitano assigned as pilot
Video:
00:07:18
On 9 June, NASA announced the crew for the Artemis III mission, which includes ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano as pilot. ESA is also providing its third European Service Module for this crewed test flight in Earth orbit, which will be key for the mission’s objective to test rendezvous and docking capabilities ahead of future lunar landing missions. Along with Luca, three NASA astronauts will fly on this mission: commander Randy Bresnik and lander specialists Frank Rubio and Andre Douglas. The crew now begins a rigorous training schedule to learn the Orion spacecraft systems, as well
We’re back: Proba-3 ready for more science
The Proba-3 mission’s Coronagraph spacecraft and its main scientific instrument, ASPIICS, are both at full health, ready to resume routine formation flying operations and deliver more breathtaking artificial eclipses.
