Space Rider
Artist's rendering of Space Rider spaceship (RM on front,left, AOM behind,on right) | |
| Names | Space Reusable Integrated Demonstrator for Europe Return |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Reusable spaceplane |
| Operator | ESA |
| Website | m |
| Mission duration | 60 days (planned) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | Space RIDER |
| Spacecraft type | Lifting body spaceplane |
| Manufacturer | Avio and Thales Alenia Space |
| Launch mass | Approx. 4900 kg (Full stack AOM + RM, including fluids and propellants) |
| Landing mass | up to 2850kg |
| Payload mass | 600 kg (1,300 lb) |
| Dimensions | Length: 8.044 m (26.39 ft) (Full stack AOM + RM) |
| Power | 600 watts |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 2027 (planned) |
| Rocket | Vega-C+ |
| Launch site | Guiana Space Centre |
| Contractor | Arianespace |
| End of mission | |
| Landing site | Guiana Space Centre |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit |
The Space Rider (Space Reusable Integrated Demonstrator for Europe Return) is a planned uncrewed orbital lifting body spaceplane aiming to provide the European Space Agency (ESA) with affordable and routine access to space. Contracts for construction of the vehicle and ground infrastructure were signed in December 2020. Its maiden flight is currently scheduled for 2027.