Andrew Parsonson
@andrewparsonson.bsky.social
I'm on a mission to promote European spaceflight.
Contributor to SpaceNews and Payload.
For queries, email [email protected]
Contributor to SpaceNews and Payload.
For queries, email [email protected]
And so it begins.
November 25, 2025 at 2:29 PM
And so it begins.
A Polish consortium has successfully tested a three-stage suborbital rocket as part of an EU-funded project to develop a launch system capable of carrying payloads into space.
europeanspaceflight.com/polish-conso...
europeanspaceflight.com/polish-conso...
Polish Consortium Successfully Tests Three-Stage Suborbital Rocket
A Polish consortium has successfully tested a three-stage suborbital rocket as part of an EU-funded project.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:09 PM
A Polish consortium has successfully tested a three-stage suborbital rocket as part of an EU-funded project to develop a launch system capable of carrying payloads into space.
europeanspaceflight.com/polish-conso...
europeanspaceflight.com/polish-conso...
The Exploration Company opens a new facility in France, calling it “a new permanent home for building Europe’s cargo return capability.”
europeanspaceflight.com/the-explorat...
europeanspaceflight.com/the-explorat...
The Exploration Company Inaugurates New Facility in France - European Spaceflight
The Exploration Company opens a new facility in France, calling it “a new permanent home for building Europe’s cargo return capability.”
europeanspaceflight.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:55 PM
The Exploration Company opens a new facility in France, calling it “a new permanent home for building Europe’s cargo return capability.”
europeanspaceflight.com/the-explorat...
europeanspaceflight.com/the-explorat...
Thales Alenia Space has finalised the core industrial team for ESA’s Argonaut lunar lander, awarding contracts to Nammo, OHB System, and two of its own subsidiaries.
europeanspaceflight.com/thales-aleni...
europeanspaceflight.com/thales-aleni...
Thales Alenia Space Finalises Industrial Team for Lunar Lander
Thales Alenia Space has finalised the core industrial team for ESA’s Argonaut lunar lander. A first mission is expected in 2030.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 23, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Thales Alenia Space has finalised the core industrial team for ESA’s Argonaut lunar lander, awarding contracts to Nammo, OHB System, and two of its own subsidiaries.
europeanspaceflight.com/thales-aleni...
europeanspaceflight.com/thales-aleni...
Wales-based B2Space has successfully tested its balloon-based launch system in the Canary Islands using a small solid-fuel rocket.
europeanspaceflight.com/b2space-test...
europeanspaceflight.com/b2space-test...
B2Space Tests Balloon-Based Launch System - European Spaceflight
Wales-based B2Space has successfully tested its balloon-based launch system in the Canary Islands using a small solid-fuel rocket.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:51 AM
Wales-based B2Space has successfully tested its balloon-based launch system in the Canary Islands using a small solid-fuel rocket.
europeanspaceflight.com/b2space-test...
europeanspaceflight.com/b2space-test...
ESA has announced plans to build a new €20 million facility on the grounds of the European Astronaut Centre in Germany to centralise its human and robotic exploration activities.
europeanspaceflight.com/esa-to-build...
europeanspaceflight.com/esa-to-build...
ESA to Build €20 Million Human and Robotic Exploration Hub in Germany
The European Space Agency has announced plans to build a new €20 million facility at the European Astronaut Centre in Germany.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:24 AM
ESA has announced plans to build a new €20 million facility on the grounds of the European Astronaut Centre in Germany to centralise its human and robotic exploration activities.
europeanspaceflight.com/esa-to-build...
europeanspaceflight.com/esa-to-build...
The Exploration Company has acquired German additive manufacturing firm Thrustworks to expand its production capacity.
europeanspaceflight.com/the-explorat...
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The Exploration Company Acquires German Additive Manufacturing Company - European Spaceflight
The Exploration Company has acquired German additive manufacturing firm Thrustworks to expand its production capacity.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:06 PM
The Exploration Company has acquired German additive manufacturing firm Thrustworks to expand its production capacity.
europeanspaceflight.com/the-explorat...
europeanspaceflight.com/the-explorat...
In this week's newsletter, I looked at what it would take for Europe to build its own commercial crew capability and which company is currently best placed to deliver it.
europeanspaceflight.substack.com/p/a-spacesui...
europeanspaceflight.substack.com/p/a-spacesui...
A Spacesuit With No Ship
On Friday, Decathlon revealed a first look at EuroSuit, an intra-vehicular activity (IVA) spacesuit developed in collaboration with Spartan Space and the Institute of Space Medicine and Physiology (ME...
europeanspaceflight.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:50 PM
In this week's newsletter, I looked at what it would take for Europe to build its own commercial crew capability and which company is currently best placed to deliver it.
europeanspaceflight.substack.com/p/a-spacesui...
europeanspaceflight.substack.com/p/a-spacesui...
Arianespace has announced the final Ariane 6 flight of 2025 will be launched on 17 December at 05:01 UTC. The flight will carry two Galileo satellites to orbit for the European Space Agency on behalf of the European Commission. Image credit: ESA / S. Corvaja
November 20, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Arianespace has announced the final Ariane 6 flight of 2025 will be launched on 17 December at 05:01 UTC. The flight will carry two Galileo satellites to orbit for the European Space Agency on behalf of the European Commission. Image credit: ESA / S. Corvaja
Poland’s SpaceForest has announced that it will attempt the first launch of its PERUN rocket on 22 November, following a redesign of its propulsion system.
europeanspaceflight.com/spaceforest-...
europeanspaceflight.com/spaceforest-...
SpaceForest Announces Launch Date for PERUN Return-to-Flight Mission
Poland’s SpaceForest has announced that it will attempt the first launch of its PERUN rocket on 22 November, following a redesign of its propulsion system.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:43 AM
Poland’s SpaceForest has announced that it will attempt the first launch of its PERUN rocket on 22 November, following a redesign of its propulsion system.
europeanspaceflight.com/spaceforest-...
europeanspaceflight.com/spaceforest-...
Canada has announced a significant increase in its contributions to the European Space Agency, committing $528.5 million.
europeanspaceflight.com/canada-commi...
europeanspaceflight.com/canada-commi...
Canada Commits $528.5 Million to European Space Agency Programmes
Canada has announced a significant increase in its contributions to the European Space Agency, committing $528.5 million.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Canada has announced a significant increase in its contributions to the European Space Agency, committing $528.5 million.
europeanspaceflight.com/canada-commi...
europeanspaceflight.com/canada-commi...
A new agreement extending Ariane 6 turbopump production in Italy until 2029 has raised concerns about the potential delay in transferring production to France.
europeanspaceflight.com/arianegroup-...
europeanspaceflight.com/arianegroup-...
ArianeGroup–Avio Deal Outlines Extended Transition of Turbopump Manufacturing to France
A new agreement extending Ariane 6 turbopump production in Italy until 2029 has raised concerns about the delayed transfer of production to France.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:32 PM
A new agreement extending Ariane 6 turbopump production in Italy until 2029 has raised concerns about the potential delay in transferring production to France.
europeanspaceflight.com/arianegroup-...
europeanspaceflight.com/arianegroup-...
While Cloudflare may have nuked half the internet, europeanspaceflight.com is still up 😇
European Spaceflight Homepage
A complete resource for European space activities from rocket startups, spacecraft infographics, deep dives and more.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:56 PM
While Cloudflare may have nuked half the internet, europeanspaceflight.com is still up 😇
US launch aggregator SEOPS has booked a dedicated Isar Aerospace Spectrum launch in 2028, adding to the German rocket builder's growing manifest.
europeanspaceflight.com/us-based-lau...
europeanspaceflight.com/us-based-lau...
US-Based Launch Aggregator Purchases Dedicated Isar Aerospace Flight
US launch aggregator SEOPS has booked a dedicated Isar Aerospace Spectrum mission for 2028, adding to the company's growing manifest.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:10 AM
US launch aggregator SEOPS has booked a dedicated Isar Aerospace Spectrum launch in 2028, adding to the German rocket builder's growing manifest.
europeanspaceflight.com/us-based-lau...
europeanspaceflight.com/us-based-lau...
French in-orbit servicing startup Infinite Orbits has raised €40 million to expand its European presence and accelerate development of Endurance and Orbit Guard.
europeanspaceflight.com/in-orbit-ser...
europeanspaceflight.com/in-orbit-ser...
In-Orbit Servicing Startup Infinite Orbits Raises €40 Million in New Funding
French in-orbit servicing startup Infinite Orbits has raised €40 million to expand its European presence and accelerate development of Endurance and Orbit Guard.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:37 PM
French in-orbit servicing startup Infinite Orbits has raised €40 million to expand its European presence and accelerate development of Endurance and Orbit Guard.
europeanspaceflight.com/in-orbit-ser...
europeanspaceflight.com/in-orbit-ser...
HyPrSpace has raised €21 million to perform its Baguette One suborbital test flight and accelerate the development of its OB-1 rocket.
europeanspaceflight.com/french-rocke...
europeanspaceflight.com/french-rocke...
French Rocket Builder HyPrSpace Secures €21 Million in New Funding
HyPrSpace has raised €21 million to perform its Baguette One suborbital test flight and accelerate the development of its OB-1 rocket.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:50 AM
HyPrSpace has raised €21 million to perform its Baguette One suborbital test flight and accelerate the development of its OB-1 rocket.
europeanspaceflight.com/french-rocke...
europeanspaceflight.com/french-rocke...
I think the EuroSuit looks incredible. I can't wait to see Adenot Sophie rocking it next year. And here's hoping that in the not-so-distant future, we'll see a whole crew of European astronauts aboard a European capsule launched from a European spaceport aboard a European rocket.
November 15, 2025 at 6:24 PM
I think the EuroSuit looks incredible. I can't wait to see Adenot Sophie rocking it next year. And here's hoping that in the not-so-distant future, we'll see a whole crew of European astronauts aboard a European capsule launched from a European spaceport aboard a European rocket.
ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot will test a new European-made spacesuit during her mission to the International Space Station in 2026.
europeanspaceflight.com/european-spa...
europeanspaceflight.com/european-spa...
European Spacesuit to be Tested Aboard ISS in 2026 - European Spaceflight
ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot will test a new European-made spacesuit during her mission to the International Space Station in 2026.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 15, 2025 at 6:10 AM
ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot will test a new European-made spacesuit during her mission to the International Space Station in 2026.
europeanspaceflight.com/european-spa...
europeanspaceflight.com/european-spa...
The Exploration Company has completed hypervelocity impact testing of the shielding that will protect its Nyx spacecraft against micrometeoroids and orbital debris.
europeanspaceflight.com/the-explorat...
europeanspaceflight.com/the-explorat...
The Exploration Company Tests Nyx Micrometeoroid Shielding - European Spaceflight
The Exploration Company has completed hypervelocity impact testing of the shielding that will protect its Nyx spacecraft against micrometeoroids.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:56 AM
The Exploration Company has completed hypervelocity impact testing of the shielding that will protect its Nyx spacecraft against micrometeoroids and orbital debris.
europeanspaceflight.com/the-explorat...
europeanspaceflight.com/the-explorat...
Isar Aerospace has delivered the stages for the second flight of its Spectrum to its launch facilities in Norway and is gearing up for pre-flight testing.
europeanspaceflight.com/spectrum-roc...
europeanspaceflight.com/spectrum-roc...
Spectrum Rocket Stages Arrive at Launch Facility for Second Flight - European Spaceflight
Isar Aerospace has delivered the stages for the second flight of its Spectrum to its launch facilities in Norway and is gearing up for pre-flight testing.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Isar Aerospace has delivered the stages for the second flight of its Spectrum to its launch facilities in Norway and is gearing up for pre-flight testing.
europeanspaceflight.com/spectrum-roc...
europeanspaceflight.com/spectrum-roc...
The ESA Ministerial Council meeting at the end of this month is shaping up to be one of the most important in recent memory. As a result, I'll be on the ground in Bremen to report on as much as possible.
November 13, 2025 at 10:35 AM
The ESA Ministerial Council meeting at the end of this month is shaping up to be one of the most important in recent memory. As a result, I'll be on the ground in Bremen to report on as much as possible.
France has unveiled a new national space strategy along with increases in spending for both its military and civil space programmes.
europeanspaceflight.com/france-revea...
europeanspaceflight.com/france-revea...
France Reveals New Space Strategy with Major Spending Increase
France has unveiled a new national space strategy along with increases in spending for both its military and civil space programmes.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:55 AM
France has unveiled a new national space strategy along with increases in spending for both its military and civil space programmes.
europeanspaceflight.com/france-revea...
europeanspaceflight.com/france-revea...
The MAPHEUS-16 flight was successfully launched from Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden. The 13.4-metre rocket, carrying 21 experiments with a combined mass of 506 kilograms, reached an altitude of 267 kilometers. Video credit: DLR/SSC/MORABA
November 12, 2025 at 5:47 PM
The MAPHEUS-16 flight was successfully launched from Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden. The 13.4-metre rocket, carrying 21 experiments with a combined mass of 506 kilograms, reached an altitude of 267 kilometers. Video credit: DLR/SSC/MORABA
Another European satellite manufacturer joins the recent funding wave. This time, France’s U-Space has secured €24 million to ramp up production and expand into international markets.
europeanspaceflight.com/french-satel...
europeanspaceflight.com/french-satel...
French Satellite Manufacturer U-Space Raises €24M in Series A Funding
French satellite manufacturer U-Space has raised €24 million in funding to support its industrial ramp-up and its expansion into new markets.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Another European satellite manufacturer joins the recent funding wave. This time, France’s U-Space has secured €24 million to ramp up production and expand into international markets.
europeanspaceflight.com/french-satel...
europeanspaceflight.com/french-satel...
OHB Digital Connect has secured a €10.7 million contract to supply 86 receivers for the Square Kilometre Array Observatory in South Africa.
europeanspaceflight.com/ohb-awarded-...
europeanspaceflight.com/ohb-awarded-...
OHB Awarded Germany’s First Square Kilometre Array Observatory Contract
OHB Digital Connect has secured a €10.7 million contract to supply 86 receivers for the Square Kilometre Array Observatory in South Africa.
europeanspaceflight.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:03 AM
OHB Digital Connect has secured a €10.7 million contract to supply 86 receivers for the Square Kilometre Array Observatory in South Africa.
europeanspaceflight.com/ohb-awarded-...
europeanspaceflight.com/ohb-awarded-...