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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport
@transport.esa.int
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Latest news on @esa.int's launches, projects and developments in space transportation. Please see our Privacy Notice: esa.int/connectwithus
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · Feb 25
For space, it all starts with rockets: they are the gateway to space.

This is what we do at ESA Space Transport. ⬇️
ESA's space transportation fleet from 2024, from left: Vega-C, a two-booster Ariane 6 and four-booster Ariane 6, and Space Rider. Ariane and Vega rockets lift off from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15h
Thank you! 🤗
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 16h
Read more here: www.esa.int/Enabling_Sup...
Phoebus: keeping cool with oxygen
www.esa.int
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 16h
The first full-scale Phoebus oxygen tank is being made using automatic fibre placement technology.

The design is programmed into a machine, which lays down the carbon fibre tape, similar to how a sewing machine uses thread.

🎥 @pexelsofficial.bsky.social
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 16h
Carbon fibre reinforced plastics are a mix of two materials: the fibres and a plastic resin infused together.

But the difference lies in which threads are used, their composition and how they are weaved together.
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 16h
Did you know not all carbon-fibre is created equal?

Carbon fibre used in racing cars is not the same grade as used in a phone case, for example.

And definitely not the same used on the Phoebus project!

📸 @unsplash.com
Hand holding a phone with a carbon-fibre case.
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 1d
And on that note...

The upper and the main stages have arrived in Kourou for the next Ariane 6 launch.

Time to build a rocket! 🚀

📸 ESA-CNES-Arianespace-ArianeGroup/Optique Vidéo du CSG - S. Martin
A modern cargo vessel named "Canopée" sails across calm waters under a clear blue sky. The ship features four prominent vertical structures which allow the use of wind-assisted propulsion technology. Positioned centrally in the frame, the vessel stands out against the serene ocean backdrop, highlighting a blend of traditional maritime transport with innovative, sustainable design elements. A large container marked is being carefully unloaded from the Canopée vessel at the Port de Pariacabo. The container, housing Ariane 6's Upper Stage, is being transported by a blue truck. Several workers in high-visibility gear are present, coordinating the logistics of this complex operation. Inside a spacious industrial facility, a Ariane 6's Upper Stage is being carefully transported on a heavy-duty vehicle. The scene includes several personnel in safety gear, one prominently wearing a blue shirt, overseeing the operation. The facility’s high ceilings, metal framework, and bright lighting underscore its suitability for handling large and sensitive space hardware.
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 1d
Ariane 6’s metallic nozzles have advanced cooling: over a thousand small cooling channels run through the nozzle’s millimetre-thin wall.

These channels allow the flow of liquid hydrogen, which helps maintain the nozzle’s structural integrity by cooling it down.

📸 GKN Aerospace
Inside an aerospace facility, a cylindrical metallic structure, part of the Vulcain 2.1 engine nozzle extension for Ariane 6, is positioned on a bright orange support base. The component features finely machined horizontal ridges and is surrounded by robotic arms and cables, indicating active manufacturing or testing. The environment includes control panels and technical equipment, reflecting the precision and complexity of modern space propulsion engineering.
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 1d
Nozzles direct the thrust and flow of exhaust gases during launches.

This means lots of heat, as exhaust temperatures can reach up to 4000 ºC.

📸 GKN Aerospace
In a high-tech industrial setting, a large ribbed cylindrical component, part of the Ariane 6 main engine nozzle, is suspended by an overhead crane system. A technician stands nearby, operating a control device and monitoring the process. The environment is filled with precision machinery and equipment, highlighting the advanced engineering and careful handling required in aerospace component manufacturing.
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 1d
Sweden is not only an @esa.int founding member and a host of the Esrange Space Centre in Kiruna, but also an important contributor of Ariane 6.

GKN Aerospace, based in Sweden, provides turbines and nozzle extensions for Ariane 6's rocket engines.

www.esa.int/Enabling_Sup...
An infographic celebrating Sweden’s role in the Ariane 6 rocket programme. At the top, the ESA logo is prominently displayed above the title “Ariane 6 Made in Sweden.” The graphic highlights Sweden’s 1.5% contribution to the programme, emphasising its involvement in building Europe’s most powerful rocket. A detailed illustration of the Ariane 6 rocket is shown, with callouts identifying Swedish-made components: turbines for the Vinci engine and both turbines and nozzle extension for the Vulcain 2.1 engine, all produced by GKN Aerospace. A map of Europe at the bottom right pinpoints Sweden and visually connects it to other parts of the continent, accompanied by a Swedish flag.
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 2d
The countdown is on: in less than 1 month Ariane 6, @esa.int's heavy-lift launcher, will take @ec.europa.eu's Copernicus Sentinel-1D to orbit.

Liftoff is planned for 4 November 2025 at 22:03 CET (21:03 GMT, 18:03 Kourou time).

newsroom.arianespace.com/arianespace-...
Arianespace to launch EU's Copernicus Sentinel-1D satellite on November 4, 2025, with Ariane 6 - Newsroom Arianespace
On November 4, 2025, with Ariane 6, Arianespace will place into orbit Sentinel-1D, a Copernicus satellite for the European Commission within the scope of a contract signed with the European Space Agen...
newsroom.arianespace.com
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 5d
More: esa.int/Enabling_Sup...
Ariane 6 – made in Czechia
esa.int
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 5d
ATC Space supplies parts of the rocket's exterior, large aluminium plates, that are used on the forward and rear skirts to "dress up" the top and bottom of each booster.
ATC Space production floor with Ariane 6 elements
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 5d
Nazdar, #Ariane6!

Czechia 🇨🇿 is not only the birthplace of the first European in space, Vladimír Remek, but it also contributes 0.7% of the total budget of Ariane 6.
🚀
esa.int/Enabling_Sup...
Infographic showing hardware contributions to Ariane 6 from Czechia
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 6d
Ready for a throwback Thursday?

Remember some of our highlights from Q3 2025 on the latest edition of ESA Impact 🗞️

www.esa.int/About_Us/ESA...
Image of the helicopter that was used for Space Rider's drop Test for Space Rider in June 2025. Ariane 6 launching EUMETSAT's Metop-SG-A1 and Copernicus Sentinel-5 to space.
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 7d
You're still in time to register for @esa.int's Future Space Transportation Autumn Session 🍂

📆 29 October 2025
📍 Paris, France
🎫 Limited places available
transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 28d
Do you want to be a part of the future of space transportation? This is your chance.

📣 Registrations are open for @esa.int's Future Space Transportation Autumn Session.

📆 29 October 2025
📍 Paris, France
🎫 Limited places available

More information here: spacetransportation.esa.int/events/?slug...
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 8d
TEST-FUCHS, based in Gross-Siegharts deliver high-precision valves and coils for electro valves for the lower and upper stage of Ariane 6.
High-precision valves and coils for electro valves for the lower and upper stage of Ariane 6.
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 8d
TTTech Computertechnik provides cutting-edge data communication systems for Ariane 6.

TTTech supported Airbus and ArianeGroup on integrating a scalable technology for Ariane 6’s data transmission infrastructure using open standards like Time-Triggered Ethernet.
TTTech Computertechnik switch controller.
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 8d
Beyond Gravity Austria is also responsible for the Vinci cardan gimbal mechanism, which controls the direction of the upper stage’s rocket’s thrust, ensuring the Vinci engine can adjust the rocket’s trajectory and maintain a stable flight.
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 8d
Beyond Gravity Austria provides thermal protection and mechanical components for the main and upper stages. These ensure structural integrity and temperature control across the rocket.
Vulcain 2.1 static firing test. The image shows Vulcain 2.1 engine working, flames are seen from the bottom of the exhaust chamber.
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 8d
Ariane 6 is only possible through European coordination 🤝

Austria, an @esa.int member state since 1987, represents 0.4% of the total budget of Ariane 6, with a focus on precision engineering and high-quality materials.

www.esa.int/Enabling_Sup...
Infographic showing Austria's contribution to Ariane 6. The infographic shows a rocket, highlighting the parts that represent Austria's contribution. Ariane 6 is funded by 13 participating states of ESA. Austria contributes 0.4% of the Ariane programme. These contributions from Austria help build Europe's most powerful rocket. 50 time-triggered Ethernet network controllers, provided by TTTech Computertechnik. Vinci cardan gimbal mechanism, provided by Beyond Gravity. High-precision valves and coils, provided by TEST-FUCHS. Thermal vacuum insulation tents, membranes, provided by Beyond Gravity. Vulcain 2.1 exhaust line thermal protection, provided by Beyond Gravity. The bottom of the infographic shows Europe outlined, with Austria highlighted, showing its flag.
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 9d
The activities will assess and prepare the requirements, the design and the technologies for both the ground and flight segments required for an upper stage demonstrator that in the future could return to Earth and be reused on another flight. 🚀
Concept rocket illustrating a reusable upper stage.
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 9d
Contract for a reuseable upper stage demonstration mission signed at IAC ✍️

@esa.int and Avio signed a contract for 24-months of development activities aiming at the in-flight demonstration of a reusable upper stage.
A ceremonial contract signing event is taking place, highlighting a collaboration on the "Reusable Upper Stage Demonstrator Activities." Two key representatives: ESA's Director of Space Transportation Toni Tolker-Nielsen (left) and Avio’s Chief Commercial Officer and Launch Services Director Marino Fragnito (right), both seated at a table, signing the agreement. The table is decorated with miniature flags symbolising international cooperation. ESA's Chief Technical Advisor for Space Transportation Giorgio Tumino stands nearby, observing the proceedings. Behind them, a large screen displays the event title and participant names, with ESA and AVIO logos, along with a commemorative emblem marking ESA’s 50th anniversary in 2025. The setting conveys a formal and significant milestone in space transportation development.
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 12d
The views are unmatched ✨

This is an aerial view of Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana - our home to the ESA-developed rocket families of Ariane and Vega.

500 km north of the equator, rockets gain extra performance thanks to a ‘slingshot effect’ from the speed of Earth’s rotation.
🌎🚀
Aaerial view of Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana - our home to the ESA-developed rocket families of Ariane and Vega.
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 14d
You're still in time to register for @esa.int’s Future Space Transportation Autumn Session.

📅 29 October
📍 Paris

Member State delegations and the wider European space community will gather to discuss the future of Europe's space transportation sector.

spacetransportation.esa.int/events/?slug...
Banner with Earth in the background at night and yellow highlights.
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transport.esa.int
ESA Space Transport @transport.esa.int · 15d
An overview of what we are working on and where we are heading here: www.esa.int/Enabling_Sup...
Space transportation future insigna with that text and an arrow leaving Earth towards a stylised Mars with the Moon in the background An orbital refueling depot, Odyssey, with five propellant tanks in a circle and the Moon in the background.
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