ESA's Space Rider: A Reusable Spaceplane for European Autonomous Access to Space (raksha-anirveda.com)

• Space Rider is an uncrewed, reusable spaceplane developed by ESA.
• It targets operational readiness by 2027 for suborbital and orbital missions.
• The project ensures Europe's independent capability to return payloads from space.

"The European Space Agency (ESA) is advancing the development of Space Rider, an uncrewed, reusable spaceplane designed for suborbital and orbital missions. Targeting operational readiness by 2027, Space Rider will enable scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, and potentially satellite servicing. The project is a cornerstone of Europe's strategy to ensure independent payload return capabilities from orbit. In the context of heightened competition from the US, China, and private entities, Space Rider is seen as essential for preserving European sovereignty in space."