The European Space Rider program is a reusable spacecraft of the European Space Agency (THIS) - took another important step forward. In June 2025 the year at the Salto di Quirra landfill (Pisq) A series of autonomous testing of the device took place in Sardinia.
After successful tests last year, The current campaign focused on checking autonomous navigation, guidance and management (GNC) during descent and landing, a key step in confirming the full functionality of Space Rider. Thales Alenia Space is responsible for the development of the device as the main contractor, in collaboration with Sener CIMSA, THESEUS і Meteomatics. The Air and Ground Forces of Italy also took an active part in the tests.
During the tests, the Space Rider mock-up was lifted to altitude by a CH-47F helicopter 2 500 city, from where it autonomously flew close 12 minutes and made a precision landing using a parafoil. The rate of decline was controlled at the level 4 m/s, and the landing took place at a vertical speed 2 m/s. The tests were carried out in various wind conditions - from calm to 12 m/s — and showed excellent stability.
According to the developers, all stages of flight and control modes — including orientation to control points, energy management and maneuvering “flair” before landing — were performed successfully. Target accuracy remained within expectations, no significant problems were found.
This stage is crucial for the validation of the autonomous parafoil guidance system. The next phase, a comprehensive system test with a full-scale mock-up and real chassis, is scheduled for completion 2025 year. All tests are conducted in Italy with the active participation of national military structures, that provided the PISQ equipment and test site, as well as the new White Base landing platform.
Space Rider is an unmanned reusable laboratory the size of two minibuses, which will operate in orbit for two months after launch. It consists of an orbital module and a return module, which will deliver scientific equipment back to Earth.
After a successful autonomous test, the spacecraft is one step closer to its first flight. The completion of the tests will confirm the readiness of Space Rider for operation and open a new phase for European reusable space missions.