Spaceport operation license awarded on Santa Maria Island granted
The European Space Agency's (ESA) reusable space vehicle, the Space Rider, is set for an exciting journey. This uncrewed robotic laboratory is anticipated to launch on a Vega-C rocket from the Atlantic Spaceport, located on the Azorean island of Santa Maria.
The Atlantic Spaceport, a project by the Portuguese consortium Atlantic Spaceport, is designed specifically for space access activities from this launch center. The choice of the Azores as the location for the spaceport is strategic, as it offers a prime spot for space launches.
After its launch, the Space Rider will spend approximately two months in low Earth orbit, conducting various experiments. Upon completion of its mission, it will return to Earth for a runway landing, where it will be refurbished and prepared for its next mission. Each Space Rider vehicle is designed for at least five flights.
While the exact launch date for the Space Rider has not been definitively announced, the mission timeline indicates that it will launch soon in 2025. The launch is expected to take place from the Azores Spaceport, marking a significant step forward in space exploration for the ESA.
However, as of late August 2025, no precise launch date has been publicly confirmed. Vega-C launch manifests show no specific confirmed launch date for Space Rider, suggesting that the launch schedule remains flexible but imminent.
In summary, the Space Rider is scheduled for launch soon in 2025 on a Vega-C from the Azores Atlantic Spaceport. It will orbit autonomously for about two months before returning to Earth with payloads. The reusable vehicle will be refurbished for multiple missions, but the exact launch date remains to be announced.
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